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Good design for children doesn’t have to be noisy or flashy — it just needs to feel honest, calm, and full of curiosity.

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When I first watched Luna’s World, I didn’t expect to learn anything about design. It’s a simple animated show about a young fox exploring her world, solving little problems, and learning through imagination. But the more I watched, the more I realized that the show is a masterclass in how to design for children — not just in television, but in digital experiences too.

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A quiet kind of creativity

Today, most children’s content is loud, fast, and packed with bright colors fighting for attention. Luna’s World does the opposite.
It moves slowly. It leaves space for silence. It lets moments breathe.

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And that’s what good UX design for kids should do — create space for discovery.
The show trusts children’s curiosity instead of pushing them to the next reward. Each episode reminds us that learning doesn’t have to be “gamified” or full of noise. It can be calm, open, and playful.

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The heart of playful design

As designers, we often talk about engagement, but engagement doesn’t always mean excitement. It can also mean depth.
In Luna’s World, Luna learns by experimenting — turning a stick into a telescope, using leaves to make boats, imagining that the clouds are moving islands. This is pure “free play,” and it’s where real learning happens.

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In UX, that same idea can be turned into design principles:

• Let children explore freely. Avoid step-by-step patterns and allow for multiple outcomes.
• Encourage imagination. Create open systems where kids can invent their own stories and meanings.
• Focus on feelings. Give space for emotions — success, frustration, joy — instead of just winning points.
• Include parents. Think about how adults might share the experience, guiding rather than controlling.

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When we design for play, we design for growth.

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Visuals that feel gentle

The art style of Luna’s World is soft and clean. The characters are drawn with round shapes and calm colors — nothing shouts for attention.
Even the background scenes are simple: forests, hills, and homes that feel familiar.

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That visual calmness is powerful. Children read images faster than text, and consistent shapes and colors help them feel secure while exploring.

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If you’re creating a children’s app or website, think less like a product designer and more like an illustrator.

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Try this:

1. Build your interface like a storybook. Use visuals that help children understand what’s happening without reading.

2. Sketch the flow like a storyboard. Imagine every interaction as a scene that moves naturally to the next.

3. Add local touchpoints. A park, a house, or a street that feels familiar to the user’s world makes the experience more personal.

Good visuals for kids don’t scream — they whisper.

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The role of sound

One of my favorite things about Luna’s World is the sound design. The show avoids artificial noises and instead uses light acoustic instruments — soft guitar, piano, sometimes a few notes from a flute.

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Sound plays an emotional role in design. It sets the mood, but it can also help children feel calm and focused. Too much sound can overwhelm them; too little can make the experience feel empty.

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When designing audio for kids’ products, I always keep these in mind:

• Give control. Let children adjust or mute sounds easily.
• Keep it gentle. Avoid harsh effects or endless loops.
• Use sound as feedback. A quiet chime after a tap, a soft tone when something new appears — it helps them feel in control.

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A calm soundtrack can turn a digital space into a safe space.

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What Luna’s World reminds me as a designer

Designing for children isn’t about making things cute or colorful. It’s about respect.
Respect for their imagination, their pace, and their emotions.

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When I design an interface for kids, I try to remember what Luna’s World does so beautifully — it doesn’t teach by explaining; it teaches by letting you experience.

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If we take that same spirit into UX design — giving children freedom, clarity, and warmth — we can build experiences that truly matter.

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Because in the end, the best designs don’t just entertain children.
They remind them that the world is theirs to explore.

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🟣 Written by Aram Andreasyan
If you enjoyed this reflection, follow me on Medium for more thoughts on design and simplicity.

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