Guidelines for Digital Item Design for the Cognitive Assessment of Preschool Children

Abstract: Embracing tablet-based practices in developmental assessment is challenging due to the lack of research on digital item design for young children. This study aimed to formulate guidelines for digital story-linked items for tablet-based cognitive assessment of preschool children. The process involved collecting qualitative and quantitative data across four phases. The initial phase involved extensive research into developmental theories, highlighting key elements for digital item development. Existing guidelines were examined and integrated with theoretical aspects to create story-linked digital cognitive items for children aged 3–5 years. The digital items were field-tested with 60 preschool children, and their performance and experiences were recorded and analyzed. The data collected revealed both pitfalls and successful applications in developing initial guidelines for digital item development, particularly for the cognitive assessment of children under 5 years. The results also provided new ideas and suggestions for digital item and test development.