Toward More Usable Pictorial Assembly Instructions for Children

Abstract

Age-rating guidelines for construction toys are based on the physical characteristics of the toy and not necessarily the attributes of the accompanying instructions. Many construction toys are intended for children as young as six years old, but it is unclear how effectively they can use accompanying pictorial toy assembly instructions. This study examined the usability of four sets of toy instructions by K'NEX®, LEGO®, BIONICLE®, and Lincoln Log®, as used by six- and nine-year-old boys and girls. Significant usability problems impacting engagement and performance were evident including: color inaccuracies, cognitive overload, attention tunneling, bottom-to-top step sequencing, and complex graphic syntax. The research yielded design guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of pictorial assembly instructions for young children. It is important that instructions not discourage children from interacting with building and construction toys thus depriving them of important cognitive and motor development opportunities.