This paper focuses on the iterative design process in the development of a successful PBS KIDS’ AR tablet app, Cyberchase Shape Quest, targeted at children ages 6-8. Cyberchase Shape Quest uses a tablet camera and a printable board game to interact with shapes in five different virtual environments. Students apply spatial memory, visualization, and modeling skills to complete levels. In the first week of release, Cyberchase Shape Quest rose to be the #1 free iPad kids app in the iTunes store. The app is also available for Android devices. Development of Cyberchase Shape Quest involved an iterative design process. Incorporating formal and external formative evaluation into several of the design cycles proved to add significant value during game development because it helped reduce the uncertainty around a large number of unknowns—AR is a relatively new technology and unfamiliar to young children. This paper focuses on the utility of conducting formal formative evaluation at specific points of game development: 1) early game concept testing and 2) user testing on an alpha build.
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