Reading vs. Scanning
the eye tires faster online than in print
leads to shorter stories (and possibly more links)
how does this contrast with the online advantage of depth?
stories aren't measured in time or length (column inches) but can be measured in words
should a story fit on one page?
newspapers break them up
is linking easier on the reader than scrolling?
how does nonlinearity/interactivity fit?
Basic Online Layout
The objectives of page layout
1. capture readers attention
2. make it easy to identify, select and read stories
KEEP IT SIMPLE!
how fast or easy does it load?
how easily can readers find what they are looking for?
Goal: Build reader loyalty
The problem - there are no set standards!
General pointers
1. pages must be easy to read (scanning) - the letter "F"
2. the most important stories come first (scrolling, linking)
3. stories should be easily identifiable (headlines, bylines, captions etc.)
4. build a commonality into pages (templates, logos etc.)
Design Elements
1. Fonts - it's usually safest to stick with defaults or commonly used fonts
"some fonts won't display properly ..."
2. Color - be aware of contrast
what combinations are easy to read (the eye tires)
what looks professional
3. Images - size issues!
4. Tables - cells, borders, colors etc.
The Home Page
an index page (the jumping off point for the site)
mapping - how does the reader get back?
Basic Principles:
choose your alliteration:
style, substance and simplicity
eye-catching, exhaustive and easy to load
again, keep it simple!
Questions to ask
should the homepage copy the look of the network, magazine or newspaper look?
should we emphasize form (how it looks) over function (how it works)?
what are the tradeoffs?
should I have index pages for major sections?
how will I handle links?
on a side column (left or right)? within the story? at the end of the story?
will I have off-site links?
what marginalia should I have?
ads, off-site links, contact info etc.