Zap Scan is an exhibit that we created for the hands-on science museum Explore@Bristol. Functionally, the exhibit, Zap Scan, is very simple. Users can draw a picture with supplied paper and crayons, scan that picture (or anything else) through a onebutton interface, and see the scanned image appear on digital picture frames on either side of the exhibit. Separately, if they wish, they can move to a nearby print station, select their image on a touchscreen, enter their name, insert a pound coin, and produce a glossy greetings card with their image on the front and their name on the back.
     
   
 
The exercise had two objectives, to demonstrate that engaging, fun experiences can be made from everyday office technology, and to explore the value of participatory design. The target users chosen for Zap Scan were 3 to12 year old children and their input as users, testers, and informants was solicited at several points in a multi-stage design process.
   
 

At the outset, we visited Explore to understand the environment, observe visitors, and review operational matters with staff. From these early observations and prior knowledge of the value of sharing images and the importance of simple, direct interfaces, we chose a concept and value proposition - electronic display of scanned drawings - that would appeal to children in the appropriate age range. As prototyping progressed, we visited schools and laygroups to solicit input from potential users. In particular, we tested:
  • the concept with pre-school children at a local play scheme using a standard display, scanner and printer,
  • user interaction, flow and timing issues at a local primary school using an integrated prototype,
  • overall system behaviour and appeal at a local junior school.
   
 
 
 

In each case, testing reinforced our belief in the value proposition and allowed the concept and implementation to be refined.
Finally, the final integrated prototype was reviewed with Explore and deployed in April 2001. As mentioned, Zap Scan is intentionally simple. In terms of functionality, it does not do anything that most people cannot already do with a PC, scanner and printer at home. However it is clear from the response to the system that:
   
 
  • Zap Scan is popular. Between April 2001 and October 2001 there were 29551 scans and 1918 cards printed. Throughout the summer holidays the number of cards printed per day ranged between 17 and 37.
  • It is not perceived as a computer system but as an engaging hands-on experience in the style of other exhibits at Explore. Most of the users interviewed had a scanner and printer at home but prefer Zap Scan because it is easy to use, fun and produced great cards.
  • The staff like it as Zap Scan easily justifies its presence as a visitor attraction. Some visitors will spend a long time working on their drawings. Parents will sit beside their children watching them draw or joining in themselves. Friends will sit together and share in the excitement of seeing each other's drawing on the digital frame.
  • It is compelling. The ability to see your own creations immediately on screen and in the public eye is exciting. Young children nudge their friends and point excitedly at the screen when their own or their friend's picture appears. Similarly, the moment that a card drops out of the shoot from the printer is also exciting. Children will gaze in anticipation into the printer watching the card appear little by little. So, lots of people, usually children, had lots of fun using a computer-based system that did very little. What they seemed to enjoy was the act of drawing, social interaction, and the joy of seeing their creative work on public display, and attractive cards.