Participatory design of wearable augmented reality display elements for children at play

This paper presents the findings of a low-fidelity participatory design activity for the design of wearable Augmented Reality (AR) experiences for children at play. The aims of the research were to gain insights into the different types of augmentations children find engaging and useful in different play contexts. The papers contribution is both the method used, and the insights gained from the design session. Using the method outlined the paper, young children were able to successfully understand the concept of augmented reality and communicate their ideas for the design of AR play experiences without first seeing a concrete example of wearable display technology. The children designed for three distinct types of play experience, Constructive play, Role play and Creative play. The children used the design packs assembled by the researchers to express their ideas. These were then coded by four experienced Child Computer Interaction (CCI) researchers to analyze the artifacts created by the children. We identify 10 design themes for AR artifacts in play and discuss the frequency of artifacts found within these themes across the different types of play investigated.