The Hansel is a networed device designed for preliterate kids ages 3-6. It uses a visual touch screen interface with other engaging and physical inputs(tilt sensors, multitple microphones...). The Hansel comes with a suite of applications that take advantage of the networking capabilities as well as the engaging physical inputs. The Hansel is designed to be safe and secure so the kids are protected during their networked playtime. This is done with encryption and by only letting Hansels connect to the Hansels of their friends, which is set up by the parents.

We were brought to this project by thinking about an age group that is increasingly getting on computers and the internet, but don't really have a safe way of playing without constant parental supervision.

With traditional computers, the main hurdles for kids 3-6 are the text base interface, mouse and keyboard inputs, and the fact that they have to sit still while using it. Other devices such as the Nintendo DS and Leapster by Leapfrog use touch screen interfaces, but don't completely meet the needs we are trying to fulfil. The Nintendo DS is made for an older age group and the device itself is small and fragile and requires the use of a small stylus. The Leapster is larger and the stylus is attached to the device so as to not get lost, but the child can not use the device to play with their friends and must play with it individually.

Kids ages 3-6 and their parents

Kids would use the Hansel to play with their friends in collaborative and competitive games.

We plan on showing our prototype for one of the software components we created for the device along with a presentation of our complete design and a 3D printout of the device itself.

We learned that 3 year olds are more "computer aware" then we could have ever imagined. Having not grown up with the internet, or anything like modern computing, we have been facinated by the way young children are adopting technology.