What are the characteristics of “good” apps for young children? Perceptions of industry stakeholders

Abstract

Young children have become keen users of mobile digital devices. The “hAPPy kids” project mapped the views of different stakeholders - parents, children and industry - on the characteristics of “good” apps - that is, safe and beneficial for the development of children - and on the criteria for selecting and developing them. This article presents the perceptions of industry stakeholders such as digital content developers and broadcasters, policy-makers, and experts from the fields of Education and Psychology, gathered from 17 interviews with a purposive sample. They are aware of the demands of parents - learning and safety - and of children - fun and entertainment. They try to address both, and also value technical aspects of user experience.