Case study

This paper describes the design of an online collaborative storytelling environment for children aged 8--10. The project balances children's needs to have flexible creative environments [22] with the desire of a public broadcaster to publish quality user-generated content that showcases Canadian stories. This paper outlines five key practices that contributed to the successful design of StoryBuilder. Ninety-five children were involved in the project using a combination of informant-based and user-centred iterative design techniques. Examination and observation of oral storytelling activities and behaviors, technology-based creativity tools and storytelling styles formed the basis for the remaining design practices.