In this context I seek to understand how to achieve effective externalisation for activities such as problem-solving, information search and collaborative learning. The theory identifies general forms of cognitive support, such as re-representing information in different ways or constraining pictorial interpretations through graphical conventions. These are then mapped into to a set of specific design principles as described below. The concern here is how to implement information technology in order to maximise the educational potential of children and other learners. It involves the application of cognitive and developmental theory to the design of interactive tools for learning and training, deriving novel forms of representations for children and adults.
Connected narrative is typically difficult to achieve.
The system will be complete in 2001 and initial test results are highly promising. These aim to develop a generalisable model of how to employ novel information display devices for use in public spaces. Dynamo's aim is to promote new forms of information interaction for the leisure and business traveller visiting hotel and conference centres, using large display screens in conjunction with small hand-held devices such as palm pilots. Both projects will employ innovative techniques to allow people to 'read' complex information in new and easier ways. The example shown illustrates possible changes in a travel agency, existing arrangements on the left and envisaged on the right.