Logo for the Convergence Design Lab at Purdue University

Keywords

Children, Augmented Reality, Internet of Things, Live Programming, Shared AR

CCS Concepts

Applied computing → Interactive learning environments; • Human-centered computing → User interface

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) is a popular tool for youth to engage with technology in exciting ways; coupled with the Internet of Things (IoT), these domains create unique opportunities for youth to explore, learn, and play. However, many systems today enable such experiences without allowing end-users to customize the contents’ looks or behavior. To this end, we developed MicrokARts, allowing children to (1) create an IoT kart, clad with actuators and sensors, (2) program using our block-based programming environment, and (3) interact wirelessly in a dynamic AR-IoT environment. We tested our initial system with 4 Graduate Student Experts and 15 Youth (age=11–18), before testing MicrokARts with 22 users (ages=9–15). We observed how children designed their interactions using AR and IoT devices, and their engagement with the technology. Through this work, we contribute to continued efforts to support youth in building foundational understandings of physical computing to enhance creative play.

This work is currently under review for the CHI 2022 submission cycle. For further details, please feel free to contact me directly!

Teaser figure from the MicrokARts Paper that shows how the system works.
MicrokARts is an Augmented Reality platform designed to help children design and program high level electronics, while collaborating on tasks in a dynamic AR-IoT environment. Users (A) decide which electronics they want to put on their MicrokARt, (B) program their MicrokARt using our block-based live programming website, (C) dock the phone onto the MicrokARt, and (D) control their MicrokARt and play with others through AR-IoT interactions.