While reading Chapter 13 "Designing Web Sites" I was reminded immediately of the interactivity of children's toy and television web sites. One in particular Disney's Club Penguin
http://www.clubpenguin.com/ really seems to have a hold on some of the younger children I know.
The youth market is quite important in advertising. A substantial amount of money is spent on children in the United States every year. However, with thousands of games and toys- kids aren't just swayed by anything bright and flashy that comes their way.
For example, Club Penguin is a television show that is not broadcasted all day everyday. The series and ultimately Disney's goal is to keep their show on the mind of the viewer as often as possible.
Though Club Penguin's site is not as flashy as some interactive sites, the site is primarily a game. It looks like a game and it does not extensively endorse the show or other products. Kids and Parents are not stupid. Parents do not want their child bombarded with advertisements and kids just want to play. This site allows children to create an account and play Club Penguin themselves. This is engaging the visitor and creating brand loyalty as the child is more likely to log on again to continue playing or watch the television show more often as they are more familiar with it.
The site is very unassuming but I believe very powerful in creating brand recognition and loyalty.
It is interesting to see websites that target children. Games are a great way to do so because children get an emotional attachment to the brand through playing the game and interacting with the brand. This will most likely lead children to influence their parents to purchase further into the brand through DVD sales or other memorabilia from the show.
ReplyDeleteDesigning websites for kids is challenging and at the same time, interesting. This is the best opportunity for any designer to bring out his or her creativity because kids like to see larger than life images, bright colors and even something outright funny. As a designer, it can be a unique experience for you to design a kids website because it is completely different from a website designed for adults.
ReplyDeleteThe bright colors and the characters that were created on the website are also very eye catching for children. Not sure what sounds are on the site, but that will also grab kids attentions. It looks like the website has easy navigation, which also helps children want to play on the website more. The website lets all the children's imaginations run wild.