Product design for children is a topic that is rarely discussed. According to statistics, most children in the United States actively use digital devices, and many have their smartphones or tablets. The number of young users is increasing over time. Designing for this small and attractive audience is somewhat of a challenge and a heavy responsibility.
Digital products that are designed specifically for children are different from other digital products that are designed for normal people and also have a very high sensitivity. As a result, as a product designer, getting to know the needs of children in a digital product, understanding their moods, and designing a suitable product that meets the expectations of parents is a difficult and complex task.
This article is a comprehensive guide about product design for children from the collection of product design training articles.
Table of Contents
What kind of content appeals to children?
Educational software and video content are among the most popular digital tools for children. The main reason children use digital products is entertainment. Therefore, it is not surprising if we say that computer games, entertainment platforms, and entertaining websites are among the most popular digital products for children.
Another reason why children use digital tools is to learn. Designing a product that is educational for children and keeps them entertained is not an easy task. But if it’s done right, that product has a very high chance of creating a great user experience.
The difference in product design for children and adults
Physical differences:
Physical differences between children and adults are the first thing to consider when designing for children. Children’s motor skills (especially at younger ages) are different from those of other age groups. For example, younger children type more slowly or have less control over the mouse. This is something designers should consider when creating user interfaces for children.
Cognitive differences:
Children’s mental abilities are completely different from adults. Children tend to lose focus or get bored quickly and are generally not as patient as adults. Children enjoy interaction. So to keep the attention of your little users, you need to design in a way that keeps them engaged. For example, design small challenges in the form of a game for them to solve and give them continuous feedback. Also, unlike adults, children like animations and sound effects.
Compliance with security tips:
The content of the program and its advertisements should not be deceptive in any way. Children hardly distinguish real content from advertising content. Product design for children should be completely honest and transparent. Children and their parents should have a clear view of the product and know what kind of content is going to be displayed in this product. This is especially important when it comes to in-app advertising content.
6 principles for better UX design for children
1. The design is exactly to the needs of the target age group
Children grow quickly. Therefore, for better design, divide children into smaller age groups and define your audience. For example, an educational application for preschool children has different needs and features than an educational application for elementary school children. These differences help designers to provide a better user experience for each age group.
2. The color palette and font are suitable for children
Fonts used for children should be readable and beautiful. Also, choosing attractive and bright colors that are in harmony with the content of the product will attract children’s attention and give them a pleasant feeling.
3. Design a companion character
It is a good idea to design a helpful character and a lovable companion in digital products for children. This character guides children in using the product and creates an exciting experience for them.
4. Provide continuous feedback and rewards
As mentioned before, children lose their focus and motivation faster than adults due to their age characteristics. A product designer can help solve this problem. It is a good idea to use elements such as indicators of progress and success. These elements tell children how far they have progressed and what they have done. Also, through user interface elements, children should be constantly talked to and encouraged to play and interact with the product.
5. Everything should be as simple as possible
Children, like adult users, acquire knowledge based on their previous online experiences. So instead of inventing new user interfaces for children, use common methods and familiar designs. Remember that your users may be at an age where they can’t read, so you need to create an experience that makes it easy for them to use the product.
6. Do not forget the parents
When you design a product for children, you should always think about parents. Parents are very sensitive about the products their child interacts with. They express their criticisms and complaints about a product in a brutal way. In addition, a product designed for children should reassure parents that their children’s privacy and personal information are protected.
UX research for children
UX research for children’s products requires specific approaches to respond to the needs and desires of this audience group and provide a positive experience. Here are some key takeaways from UX research for children’s products:
Understanding the needs of children
UX research for children’s products should be based on their needs, preferences, and behaviors. This research includes examining the routine use of digital devices, educational and entertainment needs, and understanding their cognitive function.
Age differences
UX researchers should pay attention to the differences in abilities and needs of children in different age groups in their research. For example, a game for preschoolers should be simpler and with colorful graphics, while a game for teenagers should focus more on the challenge and depth of the story.
Emotions and behaviors
UX research for children’s products should help understand their emotions, fears, and motivations.
Analysis of feedback
Collecting and analyzing direct feedback from children and parents is another important step in UX research for children. These feedbacks provide more information about the strengths and weaknesses of the products and help to make the necessary improvements.
Product testing and evaluation
Use UX research to test and evaluate products with children to ensure that products are properly aligned with their needs and capabilities and provide an optimal user experience.
Examples of engaging user experience for children
If product design for children is new to you, here are some examples of attractive and standard designs for children to get ideas from.
Perfect Pitch Toddler
This set of games is designed for toddlers to develop their musical ear. This is a good example of user experience considering cognitive development. Younger children cannot read and memorize, so the game uses animals to represent notes and uses the simplest user interface patterns that even the youngest children can understand.
My Teeth app
This app, which teaches kids how to brush their teeth properly, uses user experience principles for kids. Bright images, engaging guiding characters, and large, readable fonts are exactly what kids need to stay focused and entertained.
BOOKR Class
This web application encourages children to read books. The makers of this product have done a great job in implementing the feedback and reward method that we talked about earlier.