Respond To Different Ages

Marc Woodhead asks whether it’s time we create responsive sites catering to a range of ages.

- Marc Woodhead

Most web designers create sites for the perfect user, with the age of customers at the back of their mind. While there are many websites built specifically for children or people over a certain age, the majority are built for customers who are already competent online. All age groups approach websites with vastly different skills, with the eldest and youngest, on average, being the least advanced. In the coming years age responsive design will hopefully solve this problem, with sites changing their design depending on the consumer’s age.

Most age-specific websites are aware of their users and create a website that reflects their skills. For example, children’s websites are full of colour with clean and simple interfaces. Children need to be guided around a website. If your brand has a recognisable mascot, it can be used to help the user. Design consistency is also key; making sure each new page is similar to the one before helps the customers feel comfortable. When done right, web design can greatly improve a child’s experience online but it has to treat them as a child in order to be successful.