The Verdict

8 months after this project began in earnest, we felt the site was at a suitable stage to get the children back in for a spot of play-testing, um, I mean learn-testing.

We've created over 1,000 files to build this site - web pages, images, games and interactive activities, downloadable screen savers, PDF documents - the works! But will the children like it?

We invited 12 children (some of whom had attended the initial Focus Groups) back to Fire and Rescue Headquarters in Eastleigh and settled them in at the PCs. They had a good 30 minutes or so to explore, which in truth only just scratched the service of the available content.

Then, we sat the children back at the big table to let us know what they thought. This was done using a combination of verbal questioning and encouraging the children to write down their thoughts (and even draw us a picture or two!).

So, what did they think?

They liked it. Really liked it. The main plus points were that the children found the site itself easy to use and easy to find their way around. Of course, they didn't read the instructions for most of the activities - but then who does? However, they were still able to pick up the essentials and get themselves familiar with most aspects of the site.

A few quotes:

How easy was it to use?

• "It was easy because I could get to other activities."
• "It was good because I could find my way round it."
• "It was very easy to use and fast."

Which was your favourite activity?

• "The crossword puzzles."
• "Liked them all."
• "Everything."

What would you change if you could?

"I would give it (Where's Your Pants?) more varieties of clothes but it is still really good!"

Of course, we are still going to continue developing the site and improving the quality of the content and activities available, but this feedback has proved invaluable.