Re: [kidsUI] Browser example

[Doug Loss <dloss@suscom.net>]

Sanjay Chandrasekharan wrote:

> Here's a concrete example of my view of adapting. Think of the file transfer
> animation in Windows, the one where files sprout wings and fly (slowly,
> slowly!) into another folder. Now think of an animated character (a penguin?)
> carrying the files to the other folder. If the file is bigger, the penguin will
> perspire, give dirty looks at the user, grumble, mutter under its breath...If
> the file is small, it will kinda lean on the first folder, and just throw it to
> the other one. You can develop whole themes this way. I think this way of doing
> it is anyday better than having a bigger, colourful file with wings!
>
> As a start to develop the UI, I suggest we lay out the functions we need OS to
> perform, and come up with visualisations of the character doing it.
>

I must say, I like this idea.  Of course, if the file is very large, the penguin
will have to drag it with a rope; if it's extremely large, he'll have to get a
crane or a bulldozer to move it.  But the general concept is appealing.  The
question is, how can the concept be integrated into the software?

> > Is there someone in particular we ought to ask these
> > questions to?
>
> Allison Druin would be a good person to ask. The proceedings of CHI 99 has lots
> of stuff on Kid UIs. I am looking at it, as soon as I get time! :-)
>

I asked Allison to be part of this discussion, but other committments made it
impossible for her to get the time to properly participate.  I hope we can
eventually persuade her or someone who works with her to join us.

--
Doug Loss                 Even if you're on the right track,
Data Network Coordinator  you'll get run over if you just
Bloomsburg University     sit there.
dloss@bloomu.edu                Will Rogers