Sketches

Prototype Development

I explored many different phone dock styles, sensor profiles/CMF treatments, sensor layouts, mat patterns, and mat closures. 
Certain elements like the pill-shaped phone dock were inspired by existing Google form language.

Conductive thread tests

Final model

Final parts and casting process

Initial work:

An earlier concept explored using magnetic building blocks by mapping characters/objects to certain built block configurations (eg: curve + barrel = horse.) We used pattern recognition to map models in Vuforia. 

User feature tests:

We tested our interactions and early prototypes with two children to see what resonated, what were their natural inclinations, and what made them bored or frustrated.

Voice interaction and hyperbole

Kids use voice commands (eg: "I want") readily. They sometimes ask for outrageous things (eg: "a 100 baby dragons") but seemed satisfied with the result of much fewer dragons.

Physical / Digital interaction

Kids naturally put their toys on the board other than other parts of the table. Guidance in the form of prompts can help kids play and verbalize their story.

Mat/ touch interactions

Gestures on the mat are a more natural way for kids to explore and pan through the scene than in-air gestures.