Project Type: Research Project
Project Category: Seamless Interaction Design
Study Year: 2 semester B

Abstract:
In this paper, further work is conducted on distributed displays that perform in the peripheral interaction continuum in classroom environments. Giving personal feedback is beneficial for the classroom’s atmosphere, but can also be interruptive for the workflow of students. This Fireflies research looks at whether visualizing feedback with distributed displays is a valuable alternative in classroom environments, compared to just having verbal communication. Herewith, not only the cognitive aspect is included, but also the subjective experience of both teachers and pupils. This was done by implementing Fireflies prototypes in multiple classrooms at a Dutch elementary school. The effect of the prototype was distinguishable in the way the children interpreted the feedback, how they turned off the lights, in their preference in type of feedback, and in the change of work environment in class. The Fireflies were mostly preferred during self-study when verbal communication was experienced as disturbing. Fireflies contributes to the innovation of classroom technologies, based on teachers’ and students’ experiences.

The Paper:
Check out the paper for the full research setup and process.