The Blobetoddler is a communication system for child and travelling parents. On the child's end, a sensor-equipped doll, in combination with a virtual interface , functions as the main user interface — a “ portal ” that leads straight to the parent. The traveling parent can use his or her mobile phone to record audio comments, capture photos and video, and send them to the child. The next time the child plays with the doll, he or she
is notified of the new content and is encouraged by the system to take a look at it on a nearby computer or TV screen. If the child chooses to do so, the parent is discretely notifi ed of the activity and is able to see the content the child is currently looking at. This approach enables the parent to (1) if available, join in to chat with the child and comment on the content in real time (synchronous interaction), (2) if busy, leave a comment later (asynchronous communication), and (3) dynamically learn what the child is interested in and possibly adapt future interactions to those interests.
Source: Yarosh, S., Davis, H., Modlitba, P., Skov, M. Vetere, F. Mobile Technologis for Parent/Child Relationships. In Mobile Technology for Children, Druin, A. edt. 2009, pp. 285-306
