When it comes to digital developments in the children's book/eBook/app market, there is so much to play for. And so much to learn! I mean, the goalposts are changing all the time. As part of POP Digital, I've started to chat to people involved in bringing quality digital products to the children's market and, first up, it's Fox & Sheep, who worked with author-illustrator Chris Haughton to create his very first app, Hat Monkey.
Welcome to POP! First off, could you tell us a bit about how Fox & Sheep started out?
Fox & Sheep started in 2012 and was founded by Moritz and myself. We each have two little kids and we figured that small kids would no longer use a mouse or keyboard but intuitively use smartphones and tablets for playing and learning. In 2012, there were very few really great apps out there, therefore we decided to found Fox & Sheep. Today, we develop and publish kids' apps worldwide. We work closely with book authors and illustrators worldwide to bring to life the best apps for kids out there, and help parents guide their children through the digital world.
Children’s apps have become hugely popular, but, initially, there seemed to be a level of caution when it came to allowing children access to smart phones, tablets and apps. What do you think has changed?
Parents don't want to make mistakes, and so they are cautious with new things. That's why apps needed a while to become a part of family life. Today parents see that apps provide the opportunity to learn and play creatively and interactively on digital devices, and that children can make their first digital steps in a safe environment.
There is a common misconception that creating apps is easy, but of course it’s not! What sort of challenges can you face?
It is indeed not easy. Because for kids apps, the product is everything, marketing is nothing. That means you have to create a great app with unique graphics, an intuitive design and without too many explanations and text. An app is either great and it goes up in the rankings or it's not and nobody will see it.
How has technology changed over the past few years, and how has this impacted what you do?
As we launch our apps on iOS first, we are always impacted by new iPhones or iPads with different screen sizes or new features. Also, software updates like iOS8 have an impact on our business, as we adjust each app to the new features. With iOS8 we have the possibility of showing videos in the App Store, which is of course a huge help for parents looking to learn more about the app before they buy it. Also, the other app stores like Google Play, Windows or Amazon play a role in our development roadmap.
Is there a particular style of artwork that you feel works especially well for apps?
Our most successful apps are Nighty Night, Little Builders and Petting Zoo. All 3 have a very different style of artwork. The artwork is definitely key for the success of an app, but there is not one particular style that works especially well - it is more important that the app has a clear concept and an intuitive design that kids can easily grasp.
What are your top three tips for someone looking to create an app?
Have a great idea for an app, find a great developer and illustrator (if you are neither) and look for the financing before you start.
It always takes longer and is more work than you think from the idea to the launch in the App Store. And if you have problems with either of the three tips, contact us :)
Can you tell us about some of the projects you’ve been working on recently?
Our latest app launch was Hat Monkey, an app we launched together with the famous children’s book author-illustrator, Chris Haughton. Chris came up with the idea, concept and graphics of Hat Monkey, and we developed the app and published it on the App Store in 12 languages. The app we are currently working on is the sequel to our bestseller Nighty Nigh and will be called Nighty Night Circus. It will launch in November this year.
Describe Fox & Sheep in five words
Creative, innovative, fast, witty and child-friendly.
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