About this Research Topic
The field of child-technology interaction has garnered significant attention in recent years, leading to a substantial body of research focused on how children engage with various technologies, including robots and digital interfaces. However, much of this research has traditionally isolated children from their broader social contexts, neglecting the influential role of family dynamics. Family members, such as parents, siblings, and relatives, significantly shape how and when children use technology, impacting their developmental outcomes. Despite the growing recognition of these influences, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the integration of family perspectives in the design of child-centric technologies. Recent studies have begun to highlight the importance of considering family-centered design, which can offer valuable insights into conflicting goals, communication facilitation, and long-term engagement within family units. However, comprehensive frameworks and practical guidelines for implementing family-centered design in technology development are still lacking.
This Research Topic aims to explore the family-centered design of technology. The central problem we aim to address is the limited attention given to the broader family context in designing technology for children, which lacks consideration of the diversity of roles and perspectives within a family environment. We seek to understand how family-centered design can improve technology for children, how family dynamics influence children's interactions with technology, and effective methods for involving family members in the design process. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the outcomes of family-centered design in real-world settings, contributing to the growing literature with practical recommendations for designers, researchers, and practitioners.
To gather further insights into the boundaries of family-centered design, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Robotic technologies; voice-based, tangible, and AR/VR interfaces; educational, communication (including social media), and entertainment technologies designed for family settings
- Assistive technologies designed and used within family settings
- Studies of the needs, expectations, and perceptions of children, their parents, siblings, and relatives
- Studies of family dynamics surrounding technology
- Design guidelines for intergenerational families, multi-cultural families, and multiple-household families
- Novel technology designs to support family interactions
- Technical methods for learning, adaptation, and long-term family-technology engagement
Submissions that provide insight from a family-centered approach in the design of new technology will be prioritized. While child-centered submissions are welcome, we encourage authors to take a family-centered lens in their work, including insights from or implications for parents, siblings, or other family members.
This Research Topic aims to explore the family-centered design of technology. The central problem we aim to address is the limited attention given to the broader family context in designing technology for children, which lacks consideration of the diversity of roles and perspectives within a family environment. We seek to understand how family-centered design can improve technology for children, how family dynamics influence children's interactions with technology, and effective methods for involving family members in the design process. Additionally, we aim to evaluate the outcomes of family-centered design in real-world settings, contributing to the growing literature with practical recommendations for designers, researchers, and practitioners.
To gather further insights into the boundaries of family-centered design, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Robotic technologies; voice-based, tangible, and AR/VR interfaces; educational, communication (including social media), and entertainment technologies designed for family settings
- Assistive technologies designed and used within family settings
- Studies of the needs, expectations, and perceptions of children, their parents, siblings, and relatives
- Studies of family dynamics surrounding technology
- Design guidelines for intergenerational families, multi-cultural families, and multiple-household families
- Novel technology designs to support family interactions
- Technical methods for learning, adaptation, and long-term family-technology engagement
Submissions that provide insight from a family-centered approach in the design of new technology will be prioritized. While child-centered submissions are welcome, we encourage authors to take a family-centered lens in their work, including insights from or implications for parents, siblings, or other family members.
Keywords: child-computer interaction, child-robot interaction, family-centered design, participatory design, technology for families, intergenerational design, HCI, HRI, learning, adaption, long-term interaction
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
