Dani's point is a good one. The only reminder I'd add is that it isn't
as though those brightly colored objects are invisible in an infant's
sight. It's just that they perceive them as black and white. Having
worked with a couple of toy companies, I feel safe in assuring you
that while the physiological statement that infants can't yet perceive
color the other research consists almost entirely of focus groups on
the subject of "Given that babies can't perceive color, can we get you
to buy a second set of toys that are black and white?"
Incidentally, by the time infants are 2 months old, they've begun to
identify colors, insofar as that is determinable. Also, most infants
are asleep much of the time from birth until about 2 months. Do you
want to expend a lot of energy appealing to an unconscious being?
Oh, infants also have really lousy vision (which, as I recall is cited
as approximately 20/400 - but it's been a long time since I checked),
which is one of the reasons why rounded, large objects are good. It
gives them with something to focus on without stressing them out
trying to figure out the details of objects that are too small and
tightly designed for their ability to perceive it.
One of the ways to figure out what babies like best is simply to watch
them interact with adults who are "good with children". These adults
will put their faces close to the baby's, open their eyes as wide as
possible, round their mouths and generally make themselves circle-like
and composed of large shapes. It's kind of cool to see.
kt
Katie Albers
User Experience Consultant & Project Manager
[email protected]
310 356 7550
On Jun 25, 2009, at 10:41 AM, dani malik wrote:
Just to toss in a bit of anecdotal info from my experience as a
mother...
First off, there is a difference between what infants and toddlers
will zero in on.
Infants respond to very high contrast and don't have the ability to
perceive color. There are a variety of toys and mobiles on the market
in red, black and white. I'm sure they've done the research to
validate this. Toddlers like bright colors and can process a little
more complex shapes.
Ditto to Andrew on the faces, but I would also offer that older
babies and toddlers are fascinated with other kids, especially of a
similar age.
Generally, Baby Einstein videos would be a great source of
inspiration and material for your project. Moms I know joke about the
"baby crack" videos, because it is definitely attention-getting
(moreso than, say, a football game or anything with a storyline).
Hope this is helpful.
dani
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Posted from the new ixda.org
http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=43119
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