Kids websites that take web design and fun to a higher level…

Written for CBC Ottawa's Radio Show, CBO Morning

I don’t know about you, but I’ve gotta admit it from my end-- as a professional webmaster, a lot of the stuff I deal with is pretty bland. I mean, in today’s mainstream web environment, we’re trained to design sites that have corporate colors, are cross-platform and cross-browser compatible, are easy on the eyes, don’t need plug-ins, and are generally quite conservative. It makes for good quality web design, but sometimes I really feel that there’s no one out there who wants to really push the envelope anymore, in terms of design, animation, and innovation.

However, my faith in innovative web design has returned recently, owing no small part to the fact that I’ve been surfing kids websites. That’s right—websites for the junior set are often more exciting and innovative than the mainstream, corporate sites that us grown-ups visit. Kids websites are not afraid of color, of animation, and of doing things a little bit differently with a sense of humour. Many of the cool kids websites that I’ve taken a look at also dare to integrate new web technology, such as flash animation, audio and video. So, let’s take a look at a few:

The site that got me going on this entire kids website tangent was the absolutely amazing MuppetWorld site. I loved the Muppet Show back in the 70s, (does anyone else out there remember the Debbie Harry episode?) and this cool, silly website does an amazing job of letting you see the wacky world of the Muppets over the Internet. The MuppetWorld site uses Macromedia’s Flash technology extensively to animate the different characters, and let you play the numerous games on the site. The animation is amazing—very three dimensional and lush, and the games are fun and well thought out. There’s a loose narrative throughout the site as well (based on the recent "Muppets from Space" movie) which gives the site a sense of storytelling as well. You do need a decent browser and the Flash-plug in to view MuppetWorld in all it’s glory, but it’s definitely worth it—where else could you conduct experiments with Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker or make sandwiches with the Swedish Chef? Check it out at http://www.muppetworld.com

Another kids site that makes me laugh is called--- wait for it--- "The Yuckyiest Site on the Internet". Yucky.com has lots and lots of gross out stuff for kids (there’s an entire section called "Your Gross and Cool Body" which explains "poop, gas, dandruff, sweat, zits, and more) and fun games and features. Yucky.com also stars a science-loving worm by the name of Wendell, who acts as site guide and helper. While I was on Yucky.com I checked out a big article about farting, played a game where I had to keep toxic waste from infecting a city, and read all about worms and insects. What I like about Yucky.com is that it’s a site geared for what kids actually like—gross stuff—rather than what adults think kids should like. Check it out at http://www.yucky.com

Interesting kids areas can also be found within mainstream corporate websites if you’re willing to do a bit of digging as well. My favourite example right now is the kids "Millennium Zone" area within the Royal Canadian Mint website. The Millennium zone has games and information that relates to the history and purpose of the mint. And, as an added note, the awesome graphic for the site were designed by a local boy—Andrew Milne from Digit Interactive. My personal favourite thing in the Millennium zone is the cute little game that lets you flip a coin to make a big decision—it’s taken the place of my magic eightball! Visit the Royal Canadian Mint millennium zone at http://www.rcmint.ca/en/millennium/kidszone

A number of companies that market specifically to kids have also come up with awesome websites. The companies behind these sites are smart to invest in the web—as kids today are prodigious and curious surfers. A great example of this is Wonka.com, the online home of the Willy Wonka candy brand (maker of classic kids treats such as Nerds, Tart n’ Tinys, Gobstoppers.). At Wonka.com you can play all sorts of games, visit "LoompaLand", and even take a course at "Wonka School". I love the design of Wonka.com as well, with its bright colors and characters. Check out http://www.wonka.com

Another great corporate site meant for kids is Sanrio.com, home of those cute Japanaimation characters such as Hello Kitty and My Melody. The site design is very sweet and childish, and there are lots of things for kids to do—games, puzzles, horoscopes, you name it. My favourite part of the Sanrio site is the Art Corner, where you can see drawings of Sanrio characters sent in from kids all over the world. On the day that I visited, there were even some contributions from Ottawa kids! Check it out at http://www.sanrio.com

All in all, kids websites are some of the most exciting and innovative places to be on the Internet these days, from both a content and design perspective. And even though you personally may not be the target market, there is plenty of stuff on kids websites for grownups to appreciate as well. In fact, it reminds me of (again) the Muppet show from the 70s—us kids loved it for the fun characters and goofy songs, but there were plenty of in jokes for our parents as well. So, make a date with your inner child and go surfing. You’ll be surprised at the fun you’ll have.