KidReporter

KidReporter is a technique used in the requirements gathering phase of the design process, in which co-designers create a newspaper or website about the topic of a technology to be designed.

KidReporter is a Fictional Inquiry method created to be used in the requirements gathering phase of the design process. It can be used to consider content, format, and interface for a future product. The purpose of setting up the Fictional Inquiry is that this may help children to be more open with their ideas.

• Supplies: writing and drawing supplies such as notebooks and pencils; cameras, printers, glue or tape. Note: KidReporter could also be done digitally using tablets or phones and a software to quickly bring together a mock up for a website such as Google Docs.
• Preparation: Decide if you are going to do this as a low-tech activity or one that includes technology. Gather the appropriate supplies listed above.

• A newspaper or website topic is suggested to the team. For example, if the technology is ultimately to teach children about plants, co-designers could be prompted to make a newspaper or webpage that tells what co-designers already know about plants as well as what the team might want to know about plants. 
• Additionally, if the team has some kind of idea about the form of the technology, i.e., if it is a handheld device, newspaper or website information can also be solicited about that kind of technology and how co-designers want to use it.
• If possible, offer co-designers a chance to observe and interact with content in the real-world. In the example of plants, co-designers should be encouraged to explore real world plants.
• Co-designers become reporters, photographers, and article writers about the kind of product to be developed or the content of the product. Allowing children to express themselves in whatever way they find most comfortable is important for eliciting the best results.
• At this point, the team can decide if you want to have the co-design team as a whole create the newspaper or website, or if it will be handed to a designer or two to create the final product.
• By looking at the ideas in the newspaper or website, co-designers can see what type of content is most interesting to co-designers, or perhaps what type of technology and interface would be best suited for the topic. After/between sessions with children, adult co-designers will need to delve into the content of the newspaper or website to see what design directions might be gleaned from them. It is suggested that the adults then return to the team with what they learned from the newspaper, and ask child co-designers if these ring true.

Bekker, T., Beusmand, J., Keyson, D., Lloyd, P. (2002). KidReporter: A method for engaging children in making a newspaper to gather user requirements. Interaction Design and Children 2002, pp. 138 – 143.

Fails, J.A., Guha, M.L., & Druin, A. (2013). Methods and Techniques for Involving Children in the Design of New Technology for Children. Foundations and Trends in Human-Computer Interaction 6(2).