Seek and Sign: an early experience of the joys and challenges of software design with young deaf children

This paper describes the initial stages of a research project aimed at teaching preliterate Deaf children Australian sign language (Auslan) using a software application deployed on a mobile technology device. We discuss the user centred design techniques to be used in this project, specifically Gestural Think Aloud Protocol and the Problem Identification Picture Cards method. An initial design session exploring the feasibility of the design approach suggests that the approach is suitable and desirable. Our design questions for future development are listed.

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