One step at a time: Multimodal interfaces and children's executive functioning

The following study outlines a new computerized executive function task (Slippy's Adventure) inspired by the Towers of Hanoi task. The main focus was to determine if the task was developmentally sensitive. A further consideration was how physical embodiment would affect performance. This line of enquiry arose from recent developments in HCI (human-computer interaction), in particular, multimodal interfaces. To investigate the role of embodiment children completed Slippy's Adventure using an electronic floor mat and a computer keyboard. The results supported our hypothesis that 7 year olds would outperform 5 year olds. However, physical action did not have an ameliorative effect on performance as predicted. The implications of these findings are discussed with future considerations suggested.