Design:
- Be Appealing--The topics can be dry, so your color scheme, layout, and graphics have got to make readers want to look at your site and stick around.
- Be Organized--Getting lost on a site can be just as frustrating as getting lost while driving. Except, on a website it is easier to give up than to keep trying to find your way. Make it easy for people to find what they are looking for on your site. With a clear navigation bar and big headlines, you're off to a good start.
- Be Resourceful--The beauty of the Internet and shared knowledge is that we are all connected. If someone out there can explain something better than you, or adds a different perspective, or expands on your ideas, link to his or her site. It expands knowledge and awareness, and it shows people that you've done your research.
- Be Correct--Try not to make mistakes. And when you do, admit and correct them.
- Be Thoughtful--I know that everyone has an opinion and makes his or her own argument. But, the purpose of an argument is to get people to see where you're coming from, not to convince people that you're right. Put some thought into it, but don't overdo it.
- Be Concise--If you can use fewer words to explain something, do it.
I haven't followed the Atlantic, but I really like the design for the home page. So thanks for the link! I agree that both design and function are important for a website. I think the Drudge Report really doesn't measure up when it comes to design. Then there are other sites with great design that fail on content. I think that's why organizations need to compose their web teams with a diverse group of people with different sets of skills and abilities.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that design and function are two of the most critical components of a political site. Politics can be a touchy subject so being clear, concise and offering several resources (via links to other content) can help build a case for what you are communicating to others are definitely important.
ReplyDeleteI also think that multimedia elements are important to include - anything that can offer a visual component to a dry topic should help others resonate with what you're saying.
In addition to Design and Function, I would add Content.
ReplyDeleteUnder Content, one principle I'd list would be "Be relevant. That means being just in time or slightly ahead in delivering what everybody wants to know about." Another way of saying "Be relevant" is "Be first." But some people may find that as sounding too competitive.
Any other suggested principles to follow under Content?
I would propose "perspective" which can be in "function" or in "contect" together with "be relevant." What I mean with perspective is that, now that we live in days of too much information, something that makes your reports stand out is to give people a clear idea of how the reported issue changes or maintains the course of things. Let´s say you are reporting of Health Issues and the campaign: that is very relevant, but you can take a step further and put it in perspective. How would a new policy change the course of things so far, which implications could it have in 5, 10, and 15 years? To see things in a longer perspective can help to make our reports stronger.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you added in the bit about being thoughtful...because Nisha right. Politics can be super touchy and there's nothing more frustrating than having someone slam you over the head with their opinion trying to convince you that they're right. I think it's important for a site to encourage respectful and progressive dialogue
ReplyDeleteI liked what you had to say about function, Matthew. It struck me that those elements and your descriptions are perfectly applicable to more traditional print media, and "started" there. So I suppose some principles are timeless and classic, eh, entral to all journalism.
ReplyDeleteHI! I totally agree about the Design. I am a HUGE stickler for the visual appeal of the site. If it doesn't look good the first time I visit, I won't be returning anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteAnd as jouranlists, it is imperative that we are correct and to fix errors as they come up. This a very good point.