Bananas in Pyjamas

The Challenge

To support the new 3D animated series of the popular children's TV show, Bananas in Pyjamas, in the online space by creating an interactive site for the target market (3-5 year olds).

Approach

We looked at the learning outcomes for the target market and what games we could create to make sure these were achieved. This was done collaboratively with ABC and their contacts in the children's learning sector. Once the games and learning outcomes were agreed upon, the next thing was to bring the new style of the show alive on the site!

Key Screens
- Treasure Hunt
  
  The treasure hunt encourages kids to explore Cuddlestown by using the magic wand to find hidden items. The Cuddlestown world pans with a parallax effect adding depth and realism. Visual clues and sound help kids to find the treasures.
- Meet
  
  3D character loops with sound introduce the Banana’s and their friends.
- Day / Night mode
  
  Just for fun, we added a day/night switch which animates the sun and moon swapping and darkens Cuddlestown. This allowed us to introduce this as a parent’s favourite feature where B1 and B2 come on and say ‘It’s time to go to bed’. This is controlled within the parents section.
Games
- Dress The Bananas
  
  Using the magic wand the kids can dress B1 and B2, thus creating some funny costume combinations.
- Charlie’s Workshop
  
  Using Charlies Workshop we created a matching game where you have to help Charlie by fixing his machine. Kids are rewarded with printable colouring-in sheets once you complete the level.
- Dance-A-Long
  
  Kids can show off their dance moves with songs from the TV show. By tapping the keyboard or using the mouse they can make Topsy dance. The Robot is by far the favourite!

Execution and results

Execution

Thinking like a kid comes naturally to many of our digital gurus, so creating an online world for kids to explore and engage with the ABC's Bananas in Pyjamas was an easy place for us to imagine.

Using a magic wand (who didn't wish they could do magic when they were little?), kids can explore Cuddlestown – the 3D home of the Bananas, the Teddies and their friends. The characters and landscapes in Cuddlestown come to life through 3D models and parallax landscapes, recreating the feel of the TV series. Make it night or day with your wand, and then visit each house. Play games with your favourite characters, solve problems, play dress-ups and enhance computer and reading skills along the way. You could even try Dance Along with Topsy. It'll be sure to bring the little kid out in you.

Results

The Banana's in Pyjama's site went live in May, with Bananas in Pyjamas becoming one of the most searched for ABC 4 Kids programs via search engines for that month.

The site itself averages around 50,000 hits per month, and visitor numbers remain steady. Meanwhile, the Bananas in Pyjamas episodes continue to be one of the most popular children's shows on ABC iview, demonstrating real audience engagement with our favourite yellow fruits and their new online home!

Credits

Account Director: Verity Tuck
Technical Producer: Graham Head
Interactive designer: Abby Kelly
3D: Aron Tardini
Flash Actionscripters: Andrew Sevenson, Thomas Ruffie, Erik Hallander
QA: Krishna Vora