Story-Time Machine-Low-Tech Attachment Design for Pre-school Children

Parents’ behavior has a great influence on pre-school children, and children’s living habits are closely related to family lifestyle. This study combined design research and technology to develop a teaching aid for parent–child reading. The goal was to reduce the excessive use of computers, communication devices, and consumer electronics (3C), as such devices have been found to negatively affect the parent–child relationship and may result in the child feeling disinterested and anxious. The Double Diamond design process model was adopted for the design research. A literature review and product comparison were used to identify the weaknesses of existing products and five design and development principles were proposed accordingly. Next, a focus group of experts was organized to review and modify the viewpoints and insights proposed based on their observations. Then, the value propositions were drafted to meet customer needs and to ensure product value; the product perspectives were defined. Porter’s five forces analysis was applied to improve competitiveness. Innovative business models that integrated profits for business, English learning, and parent–child learning were suggested to enhance the sustainability and increase the product value of teaching aids for children. As actual product design research, a prototype of the designed product was produced. Following repeated testing, the product was completed to the first stage. In the near future, an iterative approach will be adopted to raise some funding; therefore, the future remains promising.