Formative Evaluation of MindfulNest: A Tangible User Interface for Emotion Regulation

Abstract

The development of a child’s emotional regulation skills is a crucial part of early childhood
learning. Additionally, the introduction of well designed, interactive technology at a young age is also important as it creates positive attitudes in children about their ability to positively use and create technology. To bring both these areas into one tool we designed and developed MindfulNest through a series of co-design exercises with teachers and students. MindfulNest was first designed with teachers through a series of workshops focusing on design principles of brainstorming and prototyping. From this we developed an early version of MindfulNest that we pilot tested in two classrooms over the course of eight weeks each. We observed and talked with students and teachers as they used MindfulNest in their classrooms. From these tests, we found design improvements and general design takeaways for designing technology for young students.