Charismatic characters in WebbliWorld introduce “green” topics such as the environment, climate change and recycling in what the company describes as an “accessible and memorable way.” WebbliWorld tackles “green” issues and the environment by rewarding users for making the “right” choices such as choosing eco-smart materials for building their Pod, switching off lights, conserving water, etc.

A Webbli rainforest is in the works, and will be used to reflect how personal choices impact the environment; similarly, the WebbliBank, where kids can withdraw money from ATM’s with a PIN, allows them to learn about saving money and even third-world debt. The in-world currency is called “Webbles” and kids have plenty of chances to earn it, from successfully playing games to contests to submitting jokes that pass the Giggle-O-Meter test for WebblieGiggles—the site area dedicated to jokes and laughs. WebbliWorld also encourages kids to become WebbliBloggers to comment about life, likes/dislikes and whatever is on a Webbli’s mind.

As sites for kids migrate more in the direction of Web 2.0 with content-creation features such as chat and blogs, safety concerns become very real issues. WebbliWorld addresses parent concerns by adhering to strict practice and procedures such as authenticating new user email addresses and moderating content added by users through staff and “an external, specialist moderation company.” It also encourages parents to be involved and reminds kids never to give out personal information over the Internet. The world has been sanctioned a “safe site for kids” by Kid Smart and ChildNet International.

The graphic design is fun and whimsical, using a vibrant, youthful color palette and boxy, geometric shapes that invoke both futuristic technology and nostalgia at the same time. The Webbli name is perpetuated throughout the site, serving as a ubiquitous prefix for different areas (such as WebbliNews), features (such as earning WebbliWonga) and, user names (such as WebbliSticks or WebbliFreddie). WorldsInMotion.biz reported that one goal of WebbliWorld’s creation, according to Aardman's TV commercials division, was to “demonstrate that the studio's animation design skills are just as relevant in web design as they are on screen.”

While the site has been billed as a virtual world for kids since its launch last summer, it has yet to be an actual immersive world driven by avatar interaction. After tinkering with its 2.0 phase over the last several months, the company hopes to go virtual by the end of 2008. WebbliTastic!