Paper (Demo)

We present the design and evaluation of Ghost Hunter, an interactive system to engage parents and children in seeking out hidden sources of energy consumption in their homes. Our system combines an electro-magnetic field (EMF) detector with a mobile tablet computer. Bringing Ghost Hunter within range of an electrical current activates the detector. Through the Ghost Hunter design we attempted to evoke the cultural form of hide-and-seek as a way to help children and parents structure their activity. We present our design and implementation followed by a qualitative evaluation conducted with seven families in their homes. Our findings describe how parents supported their children’s learning about energy consumption, and ways in which the activities led to unexpected discoveries.