Phase 3 : Iterate

Moving Ideas Forward

Iteration allowed me to revisit my ideas repeatedly through cycles of ideation and prototyping. This phase pushed me to narrow in on the core problem, remain open to feedback, and experiment my way forward.

Mindset: Experiment your way forward.

Share Your Prototype for Feedback

I began this phase by sharing my prototype with my partner and explaining the concept behind it. My goal was to understand potential challenges related to functionality and desirability. His feedback surfaced important considerations that helped the idea evolve.

The first challenge he identified was the weight of the book. He wondered whether a built-in screen would make the product too heavy for children to carry. His second question focused on flexibility and asked whether the concept could be an add-on to existing devices rather than embedded in a book.

This feedback led us into another brainstorm where we created a revised version of the idea called Plug and Read, a concept that allows any book to connect to a phone or tablet. This eliminated the need for an installed device within the book and opened up new opportunities for accessibility and cost effectiveness.

Reflection

This phase showed me that the idea was worth exploring and that it had many possible directions. I learned that technology can make reading more fun and interactive for children, but it also brought up new questions for the next iteration.

How might we connect a physical book to a device in a simple and intuitive way?
How might we avoid digital distractions while encouraging reading?
How might we design a tool that is easy to use, durable, and accessible?

The feedback I received helped me think critically about usability, affordability, and long-term product development. It also raised important questions about what format future iterations should take, such as an app, a device add-on, or a hybrid model.

Prioritizing Top Questions

To guide the iteration process, I used three design thinking lenses to develop questions that would move the concept forward.

Desirability: Understanding the user

What else do I need to understand about children and their needs as young readers?
How might we make the plug and read feature exciting enough for children to choose a book over a screen?
How might we encourage kids to keep reading even when they make mistakes?

Feasibility: Making the solution work

How might we connect a book to an external device such as a phone or tablet?
How might a microphone be incorporated into the experience?
How might we capture different diction and pronunciation accurately?

Viability: Ensuring long-term sustainability

How might we integrate a supportive reading assistant similar to Siri?
How might we ensure durability, cost effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing?

These questions became the foundation for another round of ideation. Through this process, we found that using Bluetooth could be both cost effective and intuitive for young users. We also expanded on the idea of a reading assistant by introducing a feature called Ask for Help, a child friendly button that brings up a character from the book who gently points out errors and offers hints or guidance. This feature could also prompt children to ask a nearby adult for help, encouraging bonding and shared reading moments.

Final Thoughts

Reading is not easy for every child, and many kids find traditional books overwhelming or less stimulating than digital entertainment. With screen use among teens and tweens increasing significantly in recent years, it is no surprise that reading rates have declined. Some children struggle to find topics that interest them while others do not yet understand the long-term benefits of reading for communication and brain development.

This project explored how technology might help children between the ages of five and ten reengage with reading in a way that feels fun, interactive, and rewarding. The prototype connected books to a device so that kids could read out loud and see the story animate in real time. It also created opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate, strengthening connection and learning.

The idea is still in its early stages and will benefit from multiple rounds of iteration to simplify the experience and ensure accessibility for children with different abilities. In the future, I would love to explore this concept further, speak with child development experts, and research how interactive features can support literacy in a healthy and developmentally appropriate way.