School of Information

In this paper we present a case study of kids' appropriation of GarageBand digital music software to create an informal, ad hoc collaborative process. We argue that elements of the socio-spatial context of use combined with the software and the audio mode created a "safe" space for collaboration and a powerful mode for informal creative exchange and feedback. We conclude with suggestions for future study and questions to consider for the design of systems to support kids' creative collaboration.