Using the Smileyometer to Measure UX with Children

Abstract

Since 2002, the Smileyometer has been much used for measuring UX with children, and limitations, extensions, and idiosyncrasies of it have been reported. We summarise this body of work drawing out the interesting observations and commentaries. Adapting the Smileyometer for small children, considering the effect on scores when rating a sequence of activities or products, and understanding how children might discriminate between products or services are three emerging themes that we examine in case studies. These studies show that adapting the Smileyometer for use with young children is possible, that an order effect can exist when rating items one after the other and this merits further investigation and that the tool does facilitate discrimination. We conclude with three guidelines to assist researchers in getting the best out of the tool by considering preparation, completion, and reporting when choosing the Smileyometer as a tool.