Medium-based design: Extending a medium to create an exploratory learning environment

This article introduces medium-based design - an approach to creating exploratory learning environments using the method of extending a medium. First, the characteristics of exploratory learning environments and medium-based design are described and grounded in related work. Particular attention is given to extending a medium - medium-based design's core method. Then, the product and process of two environments are detailed to show how medium-based design enables the creation of exploratory learning environments. Finally, a study compares medium-based design to a conventional design process to test the hypothesis that medium-based design is particularly effective in creating exploratory learning environments.