When we designed our series of apps for small children, we found out that it was rather difficult to find beta testers. Our friends with small children did not have the time to test our apps for a very simple reason–being a parent is a one big beta test and there is no time left for doing favors to programmer friends.
So, the friends as beta-testers idea was out. Another idea–approaching mums with small kids in playgrounds was out for obvious reasons–you’ll be either told to beat it or sooner or later someone will call the cops. The only idea that was left was cooperation with a pre-school that was open to new technologies.
We managed to find one that was willing to help us. We were supposed to bring our own iPod Touches and not expect that all of our apps would be allowed. In the end the headmistress liked the apps so much she asked if we could write a couple more.
Before you go calling pre-schools in your area, you must now one thing–they will never do anything without the parents’ approval, so plan in advance to allow for the time required to get the approval, be ready to speak to the parents and be honest about what you want from the kids. No parent will let you experiment with their children. You need to prove that your apps have value and that the benefits will be mutual.
That’s how we went about testing our apps for kids on the iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad.
