#dc5f1e: That’s the hex value for the color “Maus Orange.” We know it by heart here at the agency. After all, we’ve been managing Maus’s digital home since 2014. Over the years, we’ve developed and expanded a comprehensive website and an app with the goal of representing the brand as effectively as possible in the digital space.
Today, the website and app are among the best-known and most successful digital offerings for children in Germany.
With a seven-digit number of installations on iOS and Android devices, the multi-award-winning app has become an integral part of the media world for an entire generation of children.
The app itself is like one big MausSpot: Fans of all ages can control the mouse themselves and explore the mouse world on land, underground, and on the water. The app stands out for its extensive content, visual quality, age-appropriate user interface, and many playful details.
At the heart of the app is the media library, featuring the latest episode and hundreds of funny and educational stories. Captain Bluebear, The Little Mole, Trude’s Animal—all of the kids’ favorites can be found using the app’s simple controls, filter options, or full-text search.
In addition to the videos, there’s audio content such as the latest episode to listen to, audio stories, and a bedtime podcast. Innovative formats like 360° videos, a video mixer, and a time machine featuring clips from 50 years of *Maus* history provide playful variety.
Nearly half of the time users spend on the app is not spent watching videos, but rather exploring the “Die Maus” world and playing games. As a result, the app has become a valuable part of the “Die Maus” experience and identity, and for many users, it is even the first and primary point of contact with the “Die Maus” world.
Over the years, we have developed and implemented many games for the “Die Maus” app. Tailored to the target audience, creative, single- or multiplayer—and always with a “mouse-like” touch.
Although the mouse doesn’t speak, you always understand it. Thanks to its ability to communicate without words, it appeals to all age groups: Everyone can understand the mouse.
That was—and remains—the guiding principle behind the app’s navigation and user interface design: a reliable, intuitive user interface that focuses primarily—but not exclusively—on young users and rewards exploratory interactions with touch areas by triggering a positive action.
From the jury's statement for the German Design Award ("Winner: Excellent Communications Design Apps," 2017)
Even after five decades, “Die Sendung mit der Maus” still draws nearly two million viewers—young and old—to their TV screens every week. And, by the way, it also draws a lot of them to their computer screens. That’s because the WDR website for “Die Sendung mit der Maus” has a lot to offer.
Through four subtly animated entry pages, viewers can continually discover new content such as funny stories and educational tales, songs, recipes, craft ideas, games, and much more. Theme-based specials—such as the big space special—and seasonal theme pages also define the digital home of “Die Maus.” A source of fun and information—not just for kids!
Machbar the website’s content, graphic, and technical concepts, designed the screen layout, and programmed the entire website. The site was built using WDR’s proprietary content management system. A wide range of custom modules enables the editorial team to create not only standard media content but also extensive thematic series with flexible content formats.
