Designing websites for young people
At my house we have a computer which is usually taken over by my 6 and 9 year old children. And don’t think they are using Microsoft paint to tirelessly waste away their youth, no! These kids, and all their school friends, are spending time on hugely rich web experiences from interactive games through to social networking sites all geared towards their age group. Ive spent time watching them grow and learn (rapidly) which sites work for them and which simply don’t. And my conclusion is this:
They are alot smarter than you realise and will not respect any information that seems to belittle them. Use smart interesting tones in the language, find out what is ‘cool’ in terms of illustrations or photography.
This will only frustrate them, making them feel that they aren’t capable of ‘playing’ on their own. Children need to feel that they are growing up, and being rewarded for self contained interactive play enhances this feeling.
Design for engagement.
Kids don’t just want to be talked to, they have opinions, they wish to engage and manipulate their environment. Introduce elements such as a character they can alter (fashion etc) so it becomes personal and they can discuss with other friends. This can also come about with the introduction of rewards or points systems.
Kids love colour and movement, and the bigger the better. Make use of the fact that alot of screens in homes are large enough to really push the limits of full screen visuals. Its not just old people who like their text and graphic elements larger than life!
Here are a few sites which have succeeded in the youth market, go have a play!
