Redesigned Newspapers Launch in Three Cities

The parallels between the redesigns presented in this article and the classic online look are difficult to ignore. I found The Oklahoman redesign to a 44-inch web really interesting. I often forget that design is more than the visual content of the paper... the material dimensions of a newspaper appear to be stagnant and The Oklahoman made a bold move. The new width of the paper yields tighter writing. This concept can easily be applied to the web. Web news has a very narrow text field, considering ad placement, and I would think web writing should tighten as well.

I also enjoyed The Oklahoman color schemes. I appreciate the concept, perhaps not the vibrant colors. As much as I dislike thinking in terms of marketing and sales... the color schemes really brand the particular paper section in the minds of the readers. It is not to demanding to read the section titles of a paper, but the color coded sections provide a certain element that I'm having difficulties describing the mechanics... it just works for me.

the Courant's vertical nameplate is really attractive. There are these seemingly simple redesign options that can complete change the feel of a paper. The added .com wrap around is novel but does look a little out of place.

This article made me reconsider the basic design of a paper. You don't need to concoct new flashy fancy designs. Think about the basic elements of design and mix it up a bit. Bold moves usually come from bending the basics not reinvention.

Next Generation of Visual Thinkers is Drawing the Future of Journalism

Visual skill is critical today. Everything today is faster than the day before. infographic skill is the mode to keep up with the speed of life. With speed is, in my mind, complexity. I am bombarded with so much text as a student. Despite my passion for reading... by the end of the day I either don't give a shit or am unable to read critically. Incorporating visuals into a news story, and more than just a complementary feature but integral to comprehending the story, reaches a new level of understanding and quicker dissemination of information.

Our final project targets the typical 20-something-year-old. Infographics are essential to reaching the non so typical news reader. Although words can stir tremendous emotion, you can't knock the power of a image.

One Image

If we want to talk objectivity, the concept of one image one word is the key. Fewer words and translation limits the possibility of the writers subjective voice bleeding through the story. If a single image says nearly all that needs to be communicated, use the single image. I think we forgot how simple a story can be packaged. A photograph or emotional headline can often relay as much information as a dissertation. Photographs still can be as subjective as the written word. Anyone pushing objectivity is pushing an agenda.

Is Web a Tab?

I'm not sure I fully understand the comparison of web news to tabloids. I am assuming the tab format is a lot of short snippets of 'information'. If that is the case, I would agree that the web is developing a tab format. The Oklahoman 44-inch design supports the tab format with tighter writing. I think this format has a place, however an issue is the tab format replacing all forms or feature and investigative reporting. The other day I was reflecting on the idea that your world can be as big as you want it to be. My world is selectively large. We live in a global economy connected by global communication. There is a lot to report on. Sometimes an AP'esque approach to breaking news works. When the market becomes saturated with brief breaking news, then yes, the web will be a tab. I am hopeful that investigative extended work will continue to be produced.

Our final project should incorporate news feed and feature writing. This is were editorial decision making comes to light. If there is communication between the reader and the editor feature stories will survive. Every story cannot be a feature. Who would read them all?

Debunking Myths

I agree that design is a major component to the success of a news story... however after reading this article, I believe designers take themselves too seriously. I have barely enough time to read the news let a lone scrutinize over the intimate, curvatiousness of rag right alignment.

Myth 6, the dollar bill test was my favorite. If there is too much gray I think you can tell without succumbing to the dollar bill test.

I'm sure many designers feel there is a science to their work... and I partially agree. However, I feel the best design just feels right, looks right. A design has to be god awfully to affect the reader to the point where they stop reading. Then again... aren't we forgetting about the content? A story must compete with a bunch of external environmental factors... I doubt the design is completely to blame.

-- I was in class friday before break -- we discussed the final blog article