Lessons Learned from Designing Children’s Interactive Narratives Angela Chang1, Pei-Yu Chi1, Nick Montfort2, Cynthia Breazeal1, and Henry Lieberman1 1 The Media Laboratory 2 Writing and Humanistic Studies Massachusetts Institute of Technology {anjchang, peggychi}@mit.edu,
[email protected], {cynthiab, lieber}@media.mit.edu ABSTRACT In light of the informal use of interactive narrative by young Designing interactive narrative for children requires children, it seems that the field of interactive fiction (IF) awareness of the cognitive abilities of young readers. In this does not explicitly target works to young children. paper, we propose design principles based on knowledge of Although a few interactive fiction pieces claim to be children's cognitive psychology research. The principles suitable for children, we are interested in the audience of demonstrate how a children's interactive narrative can allow very young children. Works like A Bear’s Night Out or for creative play and avoid frustration. Furthermore, we WishBringer may reference childhood themes (e.g. teddy present an interaction design strategy aimed to reduce bears or postal mail; see http://www.ifwiki.org). These memory load and focus on story understanding. By using “children-oriented” works provide a simplified plot simple and encouraging discourse through short interactive compared to what exists in adult-oriented pieces. A playful prompts, electronic fiction can be used to craft delightful dialogue diffuses the sense of danger that normally and interesting literature for children. surrounds interactive fiction. Although these adaptations are accessible to young audiences, we are interested in Author Keywords looking further at how to construct enjoyable interaction Children, interactive narrative, storytelling fiction experiences.