Children with Special Needs: Comparing Tactile and Tangible Interaction

In this paper a comparison of the same computer game with two interaction styles is achieved: through tactile interaction in a digital board or using tangible interaction on a tabletop. Tests were carried out with children with special needs, who have different degrees of disability. The aim of the paper is to compare usability and accessibility of each interface, as well as the experiences of children playing with them. Preliminary results indicate the necessity to provide feedback continuously, both hearing and visual, in order to facilitate the understanding of each task and its progression. In addition, the outcome obtained from a questionnaire show a significant preference for the tangible version of the game.