“Mood-modules”: Interconnected Wireless Toy Units for Studies of Social Play through Musical and Sonic Games

This paper outlines the research background, focus and methods that will be used in the study of musical and sonic games that are embedded in interconnected wireless toy modules. Seen in the light of the idea: “The ensemble as a musical and social experience”, an approach for designing electronic toys for children will be discussed. Five electronic toy units function as test objects. These sensor devices will contain musical and sonic games. Children manipulate sound parameters, when they interact with each sensor, or rather, combinations of sensors. When two or more children interact with the toy units, they receive sonic feedback that may lead them to improvise and to perform together within the limits of a specific musical/sonic game. Based on a brief evaluation of the various design methods used in interactive toy design processes, this paper introduces a game/play design development strategy that builds on top of two recent test methods that were introduced in relation to the development of new playware interfaces and games.