Pokaboo: A Networked Toy for Distance Communication and Play.
Abstract
How might we build on the physical interactivity of children's play
to help children communicate over a distance? Pokaboo is a
networked toy for children ages 2-5 to physically play even when
they are far apart. Envisioned almost like a low-frame rate video
chat, the system combines physically-linked buttons with photo
and audio communication. A child will press a button down to take
their own photo, and their self-portrait will pop up on their
partner's device. The device was tested with both photo sharing
and video chat. Children were most engaged when the buttons
were part of a mobile video chat, where one child could press a
button down and see their partner's button pop up in front of their
far-away playmate. When the playmate responded with a button
press, their button would magically pop up in front of them, in a
form of physical call-and-response. Pokaboo shows how
networked toys can help children to form engaging connections
through physical play over a distance.
to help children communicate over a distance? Pokaboo is a
networked toy for children ages 2-5 to physically play even when
they are far apart. Envisioned almost like a low-frame rate video
chat, the system combines physically-linked buttons with photo
and audio communication. A child will press a button down to take
their own photo, and their self-portrait will pop up on their
partner's device. The device was tested with both photo sharing
and video chat. Children were most engaged when the buttons
were part of a mobile video chat, where one child could press a
button down and see their partner's button pop up in front of their
far-away playmate. When the playmate responded with a button
press, their button would magically pop up in front of them, in a
form of physical call-and-response. Pokaboo shows how
networked toys can help children to form engaging connections
through physical play over a distance.
