Exploring the targets of different age demographics
I need to think about audience! My choice of age demographic will dictate the path in which I approach the design process and what research I will undertake. Different age groups possess ranged requirements, which can either restrict or widen my design choices:
Ages 8-12
Main focus: Books in the age range are classed as middle-grade books [1]. From research [2] I have gained that middle-grade books are centred around a central character more than the surrounding world. I learnt that the most successful middle-grade books mirror the reader's personal experience at this age. Therefore, I would need to choose a story that focused on one character, and then use a visual style that emphasises this. As this is a younger demographic, I would concentrate on trying to educate in an entertaining way. Looking at popular middle-grade books [3], it seems that many have a fantasy theme to them - most likely as this younger demographic have the biggest imagination of the 3.
Main focus: Books in the age range are classed as middle-grade books [1]. From research [2] I have gained that middle-grade books are centred around a central character more than the surrounding world. I learnt that the most successful middle-grade books mirror the reader's personal experience at this age. Therefore, I would need to choose a story that focused on one character, and then use a visual style that emphasises this. As this is a younger demographic, I would concentrate on trying to educate in an entertaining way. Looking at popular middle-grade books [3], it seems that many have a fantasy theme to them - most likely as this younger demographic have the biggest imagination of the 3.
Text/layout
- readers at this level are normally good readers [2], but the font should still be succinct to aid them
- 'function over form' - legibility should be main focus, rather than style. Although the typefont should accompany the visuals appropriately.
- long sections of text should be broken down and separated to stop readers feel overwhelmed or lose interest
- having interactive elements to the layout could add to the imaginative theme of the e-book
- younger children have shorter attention spans, and using a variety of interactive features could attempt to keep them engaged - but it also must not distract them
Imagery
- main character should be main focus - perhaps use a limited colour palette and give character a their own unique colour
- popular books in this age range use imaginative stories - therefore I would need to have over-emphasised representations of character forms and settings
- visual representations of adult themes (violence, sex, etc.) need to be altered appropriately or face censorship
- images should summarise paired text to aid readers
Ages 12-16
Main focus: any books targeting ages above 12 are classed as young adult novels [1]. This is the most awkward age group of the 3, as maturity varies within this otherwise narrow age spectrum. Young adult novels start to introduce readers to reality of outside world and make transition from central character to the overall world of the story. Therefore, some of the stories can have more somber outcomes to them (such as Hunger Games, a popular young adult novel [4]).
Main focus: any books targeting ages above 12 are classed as young adult novels [1]. This is the most awkward age group of the 3, as maturity varies within this otherwise narrow age spectrum. Young adult novels start to introduce readers to reality of outside world and make transition from central character to the overall world of the story. Therefore, some of the stories can have more somber outcomes to them (such as Hunger Games, a popular young adult novel [4]).
Text/layout
- although a young adult approach to an Arabian Night story could suggest restricting my ability to use more imagery in the layout, there is more potential for me to use inventive interactive features on pages, such as more scrollable paragraphs
- this age range will more likely understand more complicated e-book layouts such as multiple widgets on a page (e.g. video playing, whilst user scrolls a paragraph underneath)
Imagery
- as this is an older age group, I will be able to use more realistic imagery for the more somber stories, rather than trying to mask them using substituted metaphors
- illustrations will potentially be less vibrant and exaggerated, as this may come off as too childish for young adults
Ages 18+
Main focus: As this age group is the largest and most diverse, there is no basic outline for what my lesson to the reader should be (as with the previous age groups). This means that I can decide on what message seems appropriate for the story's theme. As this adult age group will be more connected with the realities of the real world and not 'blanketed' by fantasy, I want to try give them social commentary on global issues. However, thats not to say that adults don't read to escape the real world - on the surface I still want to create an encapsulating experience, but one that comes with a powerful dialogue.
Text/layout
- although the most mature age group, I cannot assume that all adults are confident readers. Therefore, I would use larger passages of text, but within scrollable text boxes - allowing readers to scroll at their pace. This would also reveal/hide text that may distract the less confident readers.
- I would want to try use a less traditional layout, and give the readers something exciting that lends itself to the message I am trying to give
Imagery
- to make a strong message come through I would try to use shock tactics in order to get my audience thinking. The ability to avoid censorship due to the age group would prove a huge benefit to me
- due to adults being more aware of the world around them, I would try and modernise illustrations of characters and settings, in order to mirror them to the current world. Through this i may possibly point out any similarities between the fictional and modern society.
- if metaphorical imagery is to be used, I would make it more subtle and hidden than the other age groups as it could seem patronising to adults if I was 'spoon-feeding' them the message
References:
1. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/age-levels-for-childrens-books.html
2. http://writeforkids.org/2014/01/the-difference-between-middle-grade-young-adult/
3. https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/middle-grade
4. https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/young-adult
