Mascots for web design – are they a good idea?
September 25th, 2008
Designers use visual cues such as colour schemes and images to help draw attention to certain parts of a web page. The more emotive these are, the more chance for positive feeling and a greater connection with the visitor.
Ask someone for memorable mascots and they may mention the late Jeeves from Ask Jeeves, before his departure and resulting search engine rebrand.
Or the annoying paperclip from Microsoft Office. 
Another is the kangaroo used in the Australia logo.
Emotional engagement or eye candy?
Far too many sites and web applications lack a personality in copy and image selection. I recommend this video presentation at Vitamin to highlight the importance of copy in building a likeable web application.
Evoking positive feelings can be particularly important in web applications where they are intended to be used regularly and often at length by their audience.
Mascots aren’t going to work in all scenarios. They usually work best as animal or human-like creatures – as cute, fun creations.
We created a mascot for a Visit Britain campaign to promote a new B2B online service. The character, Mrs Pink, helped reach the audience in a friendly, innovative way and she is now used on offline material and e-newsletters.
The cute dog is a mascot we intend to use on a new site helping daytrippers find the best visitor attractions. We’d like to give name him, please send on any suggestions!
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September 26th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I agree on the fact that a mascot helps generate a positive feeling of the brand / provided service specially in web application where we might loose the ‘human’ contact.
I like Mrs Pink and understand why she got you a friendly feedback. It helps to associate an image with a company!
September 27th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Hi Alexia,
Thanks for dropping by and the comments about Mrs Pink.
Do you know any mascots used by travel brands?
Cheers
Dominic
September 29th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hi Dominic,
Actually no, I can’t get one in mind lol…funny because I have one coming up for all different kind of brands…
It might be harder for travel brands to define one and stick with it.
Tourism is so wide, I don’t know what would be a good mascot.
Do you have one in mind?
September 30th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Hi Alexia,
I can’t think of any – couldn’t find one on this wiki list of mascots: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mascots. There is mention of ‘Spirit the airplane’ for Southwest Airlines but not sure if he is still going.
Does the owl eyes on TripAdvisor count?
Cheers
Dominic
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I guess not…
October 4th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Very interesting question will mention. My talisman – a usual sewing needle:) It is unique also irritates nobody
October 27th, 2008 at 10:57 am
It is important to create a bright image representing the principal idea of what the site is about.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I love mascots and I think Mrs Pink is the perfect lady to do the job! I am sure the adorable dog will become a hit as well. Perfect for sniffing out the best places to visit. Do you have a name for him yet?
October 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Hi Rika, Thanks for stopping in and the kind comments. No name as yet for “dog” – any inspirational ideas? And yes, he’ll be in various states of sniff mode in his role as site mascot.
October 28th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Hi Dominic! I will have to do some thinking. In Afrikaans we have a popular dog name ‘Snuffels’ which could have been ideal. It means something like ‘always sniffing things out’. Will let you know if I come up with an idea.
October 29th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Hi Susan, Thanks for your thoughts! I like ‘Snuffels’ – it’s got a good ring to it & a little less obvious than Sniffy or something along those lines. Let me know if you think of anything else
Cheers, Dominic
October 29th, 2008 at 9:20 am
You’re right, I like “Snuffels’ too, although it might be hard for foreign people to pronounce it correctly.
I love the meaning though and it fits perfectly.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Alexia,
Great to hear you’re also in favour of christening dog ‘Snuffels’
Can’t think of anything remotely as good, wonder whether to spell it Snuffles….
Thanks for dropping in again!
Dominic
October 29th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Dominic, I actually wanted to suggest that you change it to ‘Snuffles’ to make it easier to pronounce. I think that would be perfect. Glad you guys like it.
October 29th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Hi Susan, Thanks again! Pleased with that name. Will keep you posted on the project
Talk soon
Dominic