Designing online/offline experiences with children in mind

Abstract

Program Description-Children need space to grow up, learn, evolve in a manner that allows them to develop through their stages of evolving capacities in a trustworthy environment. The exposure of children in cyberspace opens a wide spectrum of opportunities and risks. Educational apps, social networks, and connected toys open up possibilities to enhance inclusion, learning opportunities, and new experiences for children, but they also create serious risks relating to privacy, safety, security, and ultimately the mental and physical wellbeing of children. How can we design an online/offline environment that is made for children and keeps their best interests in mind?

Digital Design With Children in Mind

“…Katina Michael: Organizations are gaining awareness that digital products and services targeted at the children's market segment need to go beyond adopting the "mindset" of a child [1]. Rather, it is necessary to actually invite children to participate in the design process [2].…”