CNN Web Design

After taking a quick look a CNN's new website, it's clear that they're really trying to target a more multimedia-based reader without compromising the novelty of "breaking news." The website's column design using videos seems much more organized and inclined to attract users. I also noticed that the site implemented more interactive features like newspulse, quickvote, and hot topic which will definitely help to "showcase a lot more of the deep, rich content" CNN creates.

In general, the site's new design is much more organized and not bogged down with text - there's the right balance between written content and multimedia on the homepage which should really attract a more vast range of news readers. Another crucial is the new "personalization" of the site. The "Sign-up" box in the site's upper right corner is a smart step toward attracting news readers looking for customized news. This call to action helps CNN accomplish what Nick Wrenn, CNN International's vice president of digital services, calls that "step toward being more appealing." Better organized content, interactive features, and a variety of niche-based news stories creates "new personalization functionality enables users to customize a column on the front with sports scores or stock prices, local headlines or weather, and CNN's community-based iReport site will be featured in a curated section on the homepage, as well as in the middle of unfolding stories," Wrenn said. All in all, I think it's a job well-done. It's nice to see news outlets take that first daunting stride from the old ways to new media.

At least now I can sleep at night knowing that news won't be buried beneath the heap of disheveled dinosaur bones known as print journalism. I'm glad news outlets are moving away from the print method of attracting viewers to something much more interactive - something that will hopefully make news' late transition to online successful. Thank you CNN for setting a good example.