TeddIR: tangible information retrieval for children

Despite several efforts to make search engines more childfriendly, children still have trouble using systems that require keyboard input. We present TeddIR: a system using a tangible interface that allows children to search for books by placing tangible figurines and books they like/dislike in a green/red box, causing relevant results to be shown on a display. This way, issues with spelling and query formulation are avoided. A fully functional prototype was built and evaluated with children aged 6–8 at a primary school. The children understood TeddIR to a large extent and enjoyed the playful interaction