Hook-ups : how youth learn through creating physical computer interfaces

Abstract

The Hook-ups project introduces a new set of tools, materials, and activities intended to support children in creating physical computer input devices for computer programs they write. This project introduces a new approach to learning-through-design by providing opportunities for children to engage in both physical and computational design concurrently. This thesis describes the design of Hook-ups tools and materials, including the development of Scratch Patches - a new puzzle-piece-like set of technological building blocks used to build computer input devices. Also presented are classifications of the types of Hook-ups developed by youth, an analysis of what and how youth learned through Hook-ups design activities, and a roadmap for future work in the area of interaction design for children.