The new CNN.com, which officially launches tomorrow, appears to be a well-thought redesign that focuses on a more user-friendly version of what the network does best--distinct storytelling and breaking news. Its new attention to format--"This is built to be flexible and will feature the medium that's best for the story."--is a smart, innovative presentation that adjusts well to the times. Multi-media is here to stay, and those not utilizing it to its full potential will be left to realize the disadvantages of being stagnant.
Moving away from the network's former newspaper-style Web format, CNN.com has also taken on a sleeker aesthetic, which appeals to a wider audience. Where it formerly said, "I know my current events, but am a bit dry and probably your dad's age," it now says, "Hi, come on in and enjoy the view, while I keep you up-to-date on the hottest issues today." Obviously, the new personality opens a dialogue with a much broader group of users.
One thing that will be interesting going forward is what numbers on the editorial coverage will do. I'm going to guess the site's new focus on video will cause article clicks to decline. But, hopefully the opposite will happen--videos will serve as a teaser and send more users to the full-text article for more information.
Only time will tell the actual success of the relaunch, but for now, I think CNN.com is on the right track.
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I guess we will see the new age in infomation yields...ideally videos should incite interest in the material, but one wonders if it will only make people internet junkies who are incapable of reading anything longer than 3-4 words. As far as the lay-out and strategy goes, I agree that they are on the right track.
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