Child Development 101 for Interactive Media Designers

This book was designed for the designers of children’s interactive media (IM) for use during the Dust or Magic Institute.  Designing children’s IM that is successful depends on many factors, including a solid knowledge of the capabilities and learning patterns of children. 


Keeping in mind some key child development trends early in the software conceptualization process can increase the likelihood of a child wanting to spend time with your product. This packet provides an overview of what children can do at each age, along with brief summaries of major child development and learning theories. Also included are essays on what makes one particular IM product better than another. We have attempted to write concisely, in a style free of jargon.