Mother / Child / Object Interaction
Assignment 2 - Eric Fisk
The objective of this study was to determine how parents could have fun with children
while playing on a computer. Rather than review computer games which parents do not
generally use, the best study topic was existing toys and books.
Play boards and books are the toys most analogous to playing with a computer, as the
child and mother remain still and interact with a flat display object. Tossing a ball
around is not as easy to accurately model for a toddler, as symbolic representation is a
technique still being learned.
The play boards were at a coffee shop, so there was a somewhat social atmosphere that
enabled ethnographic observation. A play board is similar to a touch and feel book, but
lacks a backing story and has richer interaction possibilities. They are generally targeted
at younger, non-mobile children and therefore feature bright colors and simple
interactions. Following is a brief sketch of a play board:
Spin
Bell
Meter
meter
Dial
Button
Spin
Cylinder
Slider
The books were read at home, in a more sedate environment. The books used ranged
from touch and feel books to Curious George to topic books, such as books about cars.
When the books were being read I took more of a contextual inquiry approach, asking
probing questions in an apprentice role.
Interaction Observations:
In general, mother and child would drift in and out of each other’s domains, with the
objects designed primarily to engage the child with proper cues from the parent. Certain
dynamics were repeated and are generalized here.
Parent-object interaction

Parent configures child with toy, demonstrating correct use while verbalizing in
baby talk.

Parent attempts to gain some space for adult behavior when child is distracted.

Parent follows the toy’s implicit rules (eg page through a book). Can be
frustrating for parent when designed interaction is not performed by child.
Particularly if toy is of some interest to parent.
Parent-child interaction:

Child detects parent’s disinterest, seeks new method of attracting mother’s
interest. Parent feigns interest, which is remarkably successful.

Child insists on more direct interaction and validation. The more of a perceived
audience (including numbers of people), the more the child is pleased by their
situation.

Verbal interaction is central to the appeal of any activity. Mimicry and simple
verbal descriptions are the primary elements of interaction.
Child-object behavior:

Child expresses great interest in everyday objects- eg a coffee cup, a napkin, a
phone. Mimicry is central to play.

Symbolic manipulation of items of interest or viewing various representations of
those items is most appealing (eg car, monkey, robot).

A lot of change helps soothe, for instance books without many words per page.
This may just be an artifact or the reorientation response demonstrated in
television viewing.

Repetition is fun but gets boring fairly quickly. Choice and control of repetition
is important. Certain forms of repetition are most validating, like turning book
pages (eg repetition for short attention spans).

Other children upped the appeal of a toy- the toy becomes possessed and needs an
ownership demonstration. Leads to a sort of pedantic play style.