The Effects of Interactive Digital Exhibits (IDEs) on Children's Experience in Science Museums

摘要

The purpose of this study is to find the characteristics of Interactive Digital Exhibits (IDEs) and analyze the effects of these characteristics on children's experience in science museums. IDEs enable children not only to know science knowledge, but also to interact and operate, even to play, which can induce children to explore. 60 IDEs and more than 600 children from 6-11 years old were observed in two science museums. Through the analysis of the relationship between the types of IDEs and children's average holding time, games related IDEs were found to have the longest average holding time. And the IDEs with new technologies were found having a relatively long holding time. It indicates that games related IDEs are most attractive for children. And technological novelty is also important to hold children's attention or improve children's experiences. New HCI technologies used in IDEs are more attractive and can promote children's experience and holding time. The analysis also shows that the display screen plays an important role in children's understanding and attention.