Child-Computer Interaction

At the beginning of 2023, while studying poetry at Trinity College Dublin, I had a conversation with a doctorate candidate about how children experience poetry differently from adults. We discussed how they excel at understanding rhythm and tone, struggle with abstract language and concepts, and vividly imagine scenes and objects described in the text. As a design student at the time, this sparked a question: how do children interact with digital experiences differently from adults, and how can we use those insights to design more effective and engaging educational and entertainment experiences?

Disciplines: Product & Market Research

An illustration of children thinking.

Image via Adobe Stock.

Independent Research

Following this conversation, I initiated an independent study on Child-Computer Interaction (CCI) with the support of Columbia College Chicago. Over the course of five months, I conducted academic research, analyzed UX and market research studies involving child participants, and consulted with experts in the field to deepen my understanding. My goal was to better equip myself as a researcher and designer for future child-focused projects.

UX Collective Articles

Towards the end of this study, I published two articles with UX Collective Magazine:

  • "Which Lessons from Child-Computer Interaction Should We Bring to the Rest of UX?" – exploring how principles from CCI can benefit broader UX design.
  • "A Guide on Conducting Better Market and User Research with Kids" – outlining best practices for working with child participants based on my research and expert interviews.
A screenshot of my Medium blog.

My Medium blog, through which you can read my articles!

These articles were well received by the UX Collective community, bringing attention to an often-overlooked field in UX design. Beyond their impact, the research fundamentally shaped my approach to designing games and interactive experiences for family audiences at the Seattle Seahawks, reinforcing the importance of considering diverse user needs in digital experiences.

Explore Related Projects:

A filled out qualitative smoke test spreadsheet.

Qualitative Smoke Testing

Research

A research method I developed that blends QA smoke testing with UX research to identify major usability issues in large digital products.

Learn More
Screenshots of the Seahawks Wrapped app experience.

Seahawks Wrapped

UX Design

A personalized end-of-season experience inspired by Spotify Wrapped, giving fans a fun way to relive their season.

Learn More
Fans using a Lumen Lens kiosk.

Lumen Lens

Interactive Experiences

A digital photo booth experience that lets fans take pictures with virtual Seahawks players, which I manage and continuously improve.

Learn More
Screenshots of the Mike Macdonald app experience.

Welcome Mike Macdonald

UX Design

A rapid-turnaround mobile experience introducing fans to our new head coach, built in just an hour with curated content and interactive elements.

Learn More
A directory kiosk at Lumen Field.

Lumen Field Directories

Interactive Experiences

An interactive map system for Lumen Field, where I led UX updates, 3D drafting, and kiosk implementation to improve wayfinding.

Learn More
The Pick-A-Pup logo.

Pick-A-Pup

Interactive Experiences

A free-to-play prediction game for our Corgi Cup halftime race, where I led the UX, development, and promotional strategy.

Learn More
Screenshots of our new Gameday Guide using carousels to reduce scroll distance.

Gameday Guide Redesign

UX Design

A UX overhaul of our digital Gameday Guide to better meet fan needs, improve mobile accessibility, and streamline key information.

Learn More
Fans participating in SEA Lights with their phone flashlights lit up.

SEA Lights

Interactive Experiences

A synchronized stadium-wide light show, where I managed the app experience and fan messaging to maximize participation.

Learn More

See My Work:

A filled out qualitative smoke test spreadsheet.

Qualitative Smoke Testing

Research

A research method I developed that blends QA smoke testing with UX research to identify major usability issues in large digital products.

Learn More
Screenshots of the Seahawks Wrapped app experience.

Seahawks Wrapped

UX Design

A personalized end-of-season experience inspired by Spotify Wrapped, giving fans a fun way to relive their season.

Learn More
Fans using a Lumen Lens kiosk.

Lumen Lens

Interactive Experiences

A digital photo booth experience that lets fans take pictures with virtual Seahawks players, which I manage and continuously improve.

Learn More
Screenshots of the Mike Macdonald app experience.

Welcome Mike Macdonald

UX Design

A rapid-turnaround mobile experience introducing fans to our new head coach, built in just an hour with curated content and interactive elements.

Learn More
A directory kiosk at Lumen Field.

Lumen Field Directories

Interactive Experiences

An interactive map system for Lumen Field, where I led UX updates, 3D drafting, and kiosk implementation to improve wayfinding.

Learn More
The Pick-A-Pup logo.

Pick-A-Pup

Interactive Experiences

A free-to-play prediction game for our Corgi Cup halftime race, where I led the UX, development, and promotional strategy.

Learn More
Screenshots of our new Gameday Guide using carousels to reduce scroll distance.

Gameday Guide Redesign

UX Design

A UX overhaul of our digital Gameday Guide to better meet fan needs, improve mobile accessibility, and streamline key information.

Learn More
Fans participating in SEA Lights with their phone flashlights lit up.

SEA Lights

Interactive Experiences

A synchronized stadium-wide light show, where I managed the app experience and fan messaging to maximize participation.

Learn More