Children graphic user interface for "learning by doing"

Abstract Nowadays children are living and growing in a connected world. Consequently, they are called "generation Alpha" or "digital natives". The interaction of young people with graphic user interfaces has become a central part of their daily experience both for free time and at school. For this reason, at school they prefer an active learning in comparison with traditional experiences based on passive methods proposed by the older generations. This paper has considered children’s learning abilities not only based on digital activities but also in relation to the “maker” learning approach. According to this method children are able to express their own creativity more actively, different from the traditional learning. The research proposes a way of designing graphic user interfaces (GUIs) for learning dedicated to children starting from the assumption that it is easier "learning by doing" and even more "learning by making". In particular the proposed case study was aimed to design a new graphic user interface of a 3d modelling software, dedicated to children attending pre-school and primary school (4-7 years old) able to print models in 3D. The interface was designed using graphic solutions in order to propose satisfactory user experiences: understandable, easy to use and ludic, according to children skills, needs and behaviors at different ages. The research used a transdisciplinary approach involving disciplines as pedagogy, psychology, informatics, and it referred also to the Human Centered Design approach designing GUIs around the little users. The aim of the work is to propose open rules to design educational GUIs for kids at school using computer or tablet in laboratories. The final goal of the research is to contribute to spread a new way of school for the new generations able to train them in "making by doing", promoting an enjoyable learning and consequently, facilitating a natural development of their skills and attitude. Besides, the aim of this work is to contribute in spreading the "maker method" making it available to teaching and learning at preschool and primary school.