Playing with Rules: Structuring Written Rules for Visual Marker Design

Markers such as QR-codes is increasingly employed in information and entertainment media due to its ability to link the physical and virtual world offering new communication alternatives and interaction experience. Most types of markers are matrix forms which do not offer visual meaning - they are non-expressive limiting inference to the embedded content. d-touch overcame this issue by allowing users to design their own markers and control the aesthetic expression. However, to do this, a set of rules subscribing to the algorithm needs to be followed. We set to observe if children could grasp the rules through written instructions. We report a user study which demonstrate iterative attempts from children demonstrating that reliance on written instructions can be a frustrating process.