Infant-Computer Interaction

The design and study of technology interfaces intended for use by infants, typically under 24 months of age. Infant-computer interaction presents unique challenges compared to other user populations because infants cannot be instructed, cannot provide explicit feedback about their experience, have limited and developing motor control, have short attention spans, and may become distressed or uncooperative unpredictably. Interface design for infants must rely on implicit behavioural responses (such as gaze direction, reaching, or habituation patterns) rather than intentional input, and must carefully manage competing sensory stimuli, session duration, and environmental distractions. Applications include clinical assessment tools for early identification of developmental disabilities, educational technologies, and research instruments for studying infant cognition and perception.