Graphical User Interface (GUI) design

When designing PhysGramming, we paid special attention to the fact that its target group is 4 to 8 years old children i.e., novice users with low computer background. We were highly concerned about children's of this age limited experience with computers, which could entail difficulties in understanding the functionality of the proposed educational environment. Thence, we conducted a literature search in order to extract the main principles for creating software with increased usability for children.

The search revealed that the main objectives when designing applications for children are simplicity and ease, in order to gain efficiency and pleasure while being used. More precisely, the findings of the search show that young children; (a) like animation and sound, (b) do not like reading text and (c) like trying many options. As far as the objects on the screen are concerned, the younger a child is the simpler and bigger the objects should be.

Furthermore, good methods for increasing the usability of an application designed for children are; (a) the reduction of the amount of text and its replacement with simple pictures, icons or voices, (b) the limited number of components and (c) a brief tutorial embedded in the application. Finally, some important principles that could ameliorate the design of user interface for children are; (a) the elimination of features, which could be the reason for unnecessary stress and frustration, (b) the interface's design in a way that does not require searching for finding tools and, (c) the avoidance of using computer terms.

PhysGramming provides two modes; the text mode and the sound mode. Young children that do not possess writing skills should select the sound mode. Otherwise, they are encouraged to use the text mode.