Technology and kids—they go hand in hand these days. Over the years, children’s interactions with digital products have exploded, bringing both challenges and exciting opportunities for designers. 

A 2024 study by the American Psychological Association revealed that U.S. teens spend an average of 4.8 hours daily on top social apps, with 37% saying they’re online for 5+ hours a day. Almost all teens—97%—have access to or own a smartphone, a figure that’s climbed 5% since 2017.

While “screen time” for children and teens is constantly debated—its merits and faults lobbed across all sides—one thing is clear: digital interactions are here to stay. The real challenge? Designing online experiences that keep kids engaged while satisfying the expectations of parents and educators. Here’s how to make it work.

Step 1: Start with Research—Where Great Design Begins

1. Age-Appropriate Design

Kids’ needs vary wildly depending on their age. A toddler’s experience should look and feel completely different from a pre-teen’s. The key is tailoring your design—think simpler layouts and visuals for younger kids, while older ones might appreciate more complex interactions. Interactive tutorials are always a hit to guide kids through features without frustration.

2. Set Clear Goals

Know what you’re designing and why. Is it an educational game? A creative tool? A safe social space? Having a clear goal will keep your design team aligned and focused.

3. Play by the (Legally Established) Rules

Legal compliance might sound boring, but it’s non-negotiable. Get familiar with laws like COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) in the U.S. and GDPR-K (the children-specific version of GDPR). These laws help protect kids’ data—and save you from hefty fines. Pro tip: always include robust parental consent systems when collecting personal data.

4. Build Monetary Safety Nets

Kids and in-app purchases are a recipe for trouble. Avoid accidental charges by requiring parent-only authentication—like entering a CVV or password—before any financial transaction goes through.

 

Step 2: Elevate the Fun—Design That Engages

1. Make It Interactive

Interactive features like big, colorful buttons, animations, and game-like elements work wonders for keeping kids engaged. For younger kids, visuals and sounds can explain things better than a wall of text.

2. Weave an Exciting Tale

Everyone loves a good story! Use narratives to create an immersive, exploratory experience. With AR and VR becoming more mainstream, you can take storytelling to the next level—imagine coloring pages that come to life, like Quiver’s AR experience.

3. Add Vibrant Colors and Clear Typography

Kids are drawn to bold, high-contrast colors and simple fonts that are easy to read. Want to win extra points? Offer customization options, like creating avatars or picking theme colors. Kids love to make things their own.

 

Step 3: Keep Parents and Teachers in Mind

1. Encourage Parent/Child Interaction

Design features that get kids and adults working together—like shared games or guided lessons. The PBS KIDS Play and Learn app is a great example, with prompts for parents to get involved.

2. Include Healthy Screen Breaks

No one should spend all their time glued to a screen. Incorporate features that remind users to take breaks, encouraging offline activities like printable worksheets or hands-on projects. ABCmouse does this well with downloadable resources that complement its digital lessons.

3. Add a “Grown-Up” Zone

Give parents and teachers their own dedicated space with guides, instructions, and insights. This helps adults understand your product’s benefits and get on board with encouraging its use.

 

Step 4: Test, Test, and (You Guessed It) Test

No matter how amazing your design looks, the real test happens when kids, parents, and teachers use it. Organize testing sessions to get their honest feedback—what works, what doesn’t, and what could be improved.

Your Cheat Sheet for Kid-Centric (and Parent-Friendly) Design:

• Match designs to kids’ age groups.
• Stick to legal guidelines (COPPA and GDPR-K).
• Keep it interactive with touch-friendly features.
• Add immersive storytelling.
• Use bold colors and easy-to-read fonts.
• Include personalization options.
• Engage parents and educators with dedicated tools.
• Incorporate screen-time management features.
• Test your design with real users regularly.

By following these tips, you can create digital products that delight kids and earn parents’ trust. Ready to tackle your next kid-friendly project? Let’s make it happen—reach out to our expert design team today!