Welcome to Dust or Magic
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Participants bring their children to Dust or Magic AppCamp, held in Monterey CA in May.
“An idea can turn from dust to magic, depending upon the talent that rubs against it.”
Matsuo Bashō (松尾 芭蕉), from the forward of the book by Bob Hughes
Since 2000, Dust or Magic meetings have been helping reviewers, designers and researchers apply known theories of child development to interactive media (IM) design. There are several Dust or Magic events. Besides the original fall institute in Lambertville, NJ, there’s an AppCamp on the west coast, and a new eBook retreat. All of share similar objectives:
- To familiarize you with the key products of the year and to point out strengths and weaknesses.
- To contribute to your personal definition of “dust” and “magic.”
- To provide a review of the fundamental theories of child development in the context of emerging technologies such as multi-touch screens, physical computing, 3D and movement based interfaces.
- To give you access to a library of current products for a hands-on experience.
- To provide critical, honest, fair and open demonstrations of this year’s products, with room for discussion.
- To help students of interactive design earn credit.
- To provide an overview of the elements of successful design.
- To help you meet and learn from others who are passionate about exploring the potential of interactive media for children.
- To provide a comfortable, structured, relaxing experience.
“Child development remains constant even as the context shifts wildly.”
- David Kleeman, President of the American Center for Children and MediaDust or Magic is produced by Children’s Technology Review. It has no affiliation with any hardware or software company; it is supported solely by registration fees. Read more about Dust or Magic’s philosophy and history here.
