Designing typozilla : an online application that appeals to gifted children : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Design at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2009
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Massey University
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Abstract
This thesis responds to the specific educational and social needs of gifted children within the
context of online applications. Online enrichment activities and social opportunities are only
successful if they are able to attract and sustain attention of the advanced interests of
gifted children.
The aim of the research is to design an online application that appeals to gifted children
and recognises the identified intellectual and social needs within the New Zealand
context. This was achieved through research through design by establishing a design
strategy that uses the findings of investigations and applies them to a prototype
application. Developers of online content for gifted children may benefit from this
research.
As an initial investigation a survey was conducted about how gifted New Zealand primary
school children are using online applications. It was assumed following the literature
review that online applications would appeal to gifted children if they teach a new skill,
have multiplayer functionality and address higher order thinking skills. Basic design
characteristics of the most popular gaming websites amongst gifted children (from the
survey) were then used to inform the design strategy and to develop the prototype
online application typozilla.
Key findings were retrieved through observation of gifted children using typozilla. The
majority of children observed were especially enthusiastic seeing other players’ avatars
within multiplayer areas and competing against each other. They enjoyed learning a
new skill (which was touch-typing) and engaging in creative tasks. In interviews all
gifted children confirmed that they perceived the typozilla design as appealing.
Description
Keywords
Educational games design, Typewriting, Gifted children, Typing, Typozilla