Books vs. Technology : An exploratory study of the influence they have on children's development

Abstract: With the rise of popularity of technological devices, less children engage in reading books. This paper investigates the influence of technology on young children and points out the advantages and disadvantages of being in contact with digital media on a regular basis. In contrast to that, this project reveals benefits that come from reading and being read to in early childhood. Through designerly research in forms of collaboration and a cultural probe, the essence of children’s books is getting ex- plored. Furthermore, the importance of illustration in combination to text in picture book is being discussed. By exploring the practice of creating an own illustrated children’s book, I evaluate assumptions and findings of my research.