THE SUITABILITY OF AMERICAN STORYTELLING SOFTWARE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN DIVERSITY

There is an assumption in the literature on human-computer interaction that technology – and software in particular – should reflect, or be adaptable to, users’ differing needs and preferences. One aspect that is often referred to in this regard is the cultural background of the user. This paper investigates the necessity to adapt software developed in the USA for use by South African children from different race and language groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usability of an American storytelling package for culturally diverse South African children for whom English is their second language. The usability study was conducted with seven and eight-year-old children in their school’s computer laboratory, using qualitative research methods. We report here on the findings that relate to aspects of individual identity (including language, race and gender) and how these impacted on the interaction experience. The conclusion derived from the findings is that the specific software package is suitable for use by South African children and that none of the usability problems identified relate to the fact that it is an American product used by South African children. In this study gender-related needs and preferences were found more prominent than those related to other identity considerations.