This week was a prototyping week. Based on the iteration and game design idea last week, we were developing our first prototype according to that. Our UI/UX team suggested to incorporate “train theme” to our game since a train has cars, which is the similar concept to Elkonin Box. In addition to that, we further reinforce the concept by transforming marble in Elkonin Box to luggage. With that, students who play traditional Elkonin Box would have a perfect match when they play digital one because we basically replicate the whole process of traditional Elkonin Box and incorporate “train theme” into our prototype.
The followings are our first paper prototype:
With the support of technology, we started thinking of what’s the advantage of it. First thing came across our heads was the instant feedback. For example, when students made it wrong, program can notice that immediately and provide instant feedback by changing color or sound; Or, program can automatically highlight the box which students are supposed to move marble onto. As a result, based on the paper prototype, we made this digital version prototype:
In addition to that, we were also exploring monitoring system since teacher will need it to track students’ performance if class scale goes bigger. After discussion with engineer team, we will be developing database in order to synchronize each student’s digital Elkonin Box so that teacher would be able to know each student’s performance. Other than that, with the support of database, teacher is able to control the whole exercise with just simple one click keeping every students on the same page. Also, we can develop our login system since database will have information of teachers and students. Followings are our paper prototype of login system:
With the kickoff of developing prototype, we were planning to conduct playtesting maybe next week. The things we’d like to observe from the prototype are:
1. How students interact with digital Elkonin Box
2. How teachers react to digital Elkonin Box
According to agile development methodology, we’d like to iterate as many times as possible. As a result, In order to facilitate our playtesting, we asked our faculty to help with reaching out to nearby schools. We can’t wait to meet young playtesters and have their valuable feedback on our work!