To create a website that will work for my audience effectively, it is vital that I truly understand them. While I consider my audience to be between the ages of 6-12, in a matter of fact it should be defined into smaller categories as the knowledge and abilities of the ages 6 and 12 are completely different. Therefore the categories should be split up into the groups 6-8 and 9-12.
6-8 Age Range
It is important that the user will not always understand the language used with adults site, therefore it is vital to change the language so that they understand. An example would be instead of using the word “Submit” instead use the word “Start” or “Go”and instead of “Username” it shoould say “Nickname”.
9-12 Age Range
By this age, the users will be very accustomed with using a website, and they will be able to scroll through content very quickly but will have difficulty differentiating between adverts and content.
What I learnt
The use of big, bold, bright colors and pictures for both age ranges is vital as it help the user understand how to navigate the website. Using gestures on mobile platforms is too complex for the kids and ui should consist of tapping and scrolling only, instead of pinch and zoom features.
Icons that match the functions of buttons should be present to allow the user to understand the context of what they are seeing. A home icon should be present throughout the site as to allow for easy navigating.
Referencing nature in the site will be vital as it’s one the things they know the most about at such a young age, and find these references visually stimulating.
Design elements, like buttons, should be made to appear in a large format on the screen.
Depth should be implemented into the design, so that the user can use their imagination to believe it is real.
Kids don’t enjoy large amounts of reading, even the parts where kids learn about other cultures should contain as little text as possible.
Changing the mouse to be another animal, perhaps the food of the frog, a fly in my case, could grab the attention of the user.
Not using a grid format makes a website more exciting for children.
A section for parents is vital to allow the parents to understand tyhe concept of the site.
References:
akbrodie.wordpress.com 
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