KidsMall USA is a project that aims to leverage advanced information systems, logistics and retailing technologies to offer engaging and rewarding experiences that bring more customers to the mall using unique handmade items by kids 12 and under as main products. We designed personas, a set of wireframes and information flow maps that would have an overview of the KidsMall USA website. In the process, we conducted interviews, survey, card sort and comparative analysis to justify our design decisions.

 

The global navigation of KidsMall USA is composed of five primary categories: Home, Calendar, Workshop, My Avatar and Gallery. To keep it simple for kids to navigate, the system adopts a flat hierarchy instead of nesting links in sub‐menus.

KidsMall USA is heavy on visual elements so that kindergarteners and even preschoolers can successfully manage and use the system. Image blocks and icons attract kids’ attention more readily than standard text-based links do, and have the added benefit of helping grandparents navigate the system when they receive notification from their little loved ones.

 

Kids can book time slots to just display or sell their artwork in the mall. Information about artwork name, description, picture, and if they want to sell it on online would be requested. Then invitation can be sent to their friends or family through popular social networking sites or email.

 

My Avatar serves as a portfolio for young entrepreneurs to build up their self image and confidence in their own interests and abilities. A calendar of their booked events is displayed as a reminder to both themselves and to their friends and family. Kids can see what they’ve sold and what are still available.

 

Gallery is where kids showcase their artworks. An item with shopping cart icon indicates that it can be sold online. Faceted search is deployed to refine results.

We conducted an open‐ended card sort of 76 different images of art objects and craft materials to determine what kids and adults alike tend to identify and sort by.

Search serves two main functions: to help kids and adults find artworks by any aspect of its material construction or finished description. Just as importantly, search works as an information literacy teaching tool, as kids learn how to describe their own creations so that others can find them, comment and learn from each other’s creative experience.