One Laptop Per Child: An Overview

14Feb08

The One Laptop Per Child non-profit organization was founded by Nicholas Negroponte from the MIT Media Lab. The project mission is to provide children around the world with new opportunities to explore, experiment and express themselves. The project time line dates back to 1967, with the first introduction of a programming language targeted directly towards children, Logo. However, Negroponte didn’t pitch the idea of a 100$ laptop per child until early in 2005. With support of major cooperations like Google, AMD and Red Hat the development of the hardware and software was underway by the summer of 2005.The physical laptop had many design challenges to over come, including supporting a variety of learning environments (inside, outside, very well lit, no lighting, extreme weather conditions, etc), all while trying to hit the 100$ per laptop price.

The current version is very cute…I kind of want one

My main area of interest is the interface. Since the traditional “desktop” metaphor that seems so clear to everyday computer users isn’t likely to align with the user patterns of third world children. The interface was revolutionized. The “SUGAR” interface developed focused on a “journal” metaphor. Realizing that learning and participating in activities occurs in a chronological order the developers have captured the child’s activities with this running journal to replace a traditional file storage system. The software, XO is built on a Linx-based OS.

So, why do I care?

Well this project is a statement of user-centered design from the handle for carrying, to the “antenna” that also acts to waterproof the machine when closed. Every detail has been considered in the design process. Also, in the up coming months myself and a small team of students will be designing an application for this program.

Here are all the details:

The challenge

• Design a novel educational activity intended to run on the OLPC XO laptop
• The activity must be appropriate for the targeted user population of the OLPC Project. (just good design practice)
• Activity must incorporate both individual learner components and shared/collaborative learner components
• The Activity’s interaction design should incorporate the multimedia and/or unique input features of the XO laptop, including the digital camera, microphone, speaker, ad hoc and internet wireless capabilities, and special keyboard or display buttons. (recommended not required)

The Process

• Three design cycles must be completed, to include the development of low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Each cycle will include a individual and team assessment of the design and be usability tested on target user.

The Deliverable (They will be posted as completed, so please check back)

• Project proposal: Application to be designed and justification
• Low Fidelity: Paper prototyped wire frames
• Medium Fidelity: PowerPoint or Flash demo with limited functionality
• High Fidelity: Flash demo with key functionality available
• Team presentation to summarize each level of fidelity
• Detailed design report upon completion

The Team
Melina McLarty
Wayne Giang
Samuel Kwok
Lynne Pronovost

The Professor
Professor Stacey Scott

Filed under: Design   |  
Tags: Kids, OLPC