CNN Redesign

It is very interesting that CNN is now coming out with a new design, even more so after we recreated the old one. However, I totally agree with what I have seen and heard from CNN, their new site seems to implement everything that was missing from the old one and allow for users to better customize to their own personal tastes. The article found at http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/pda/2009/oct/23/cnn-homepage-relaunch-redesign-2009-video, describes many of the changes that are being made and the reasoning behind it. Everything that they had said I totally agreed with.
The first major focal point seemed to be on the video capabilities that are now available on the homepage of the site. That was one thing that I believed to be a key weakness of their old design. A definite majority of current internet users look for video play as a focal point for their interest. Implementing the videos on their homepage will certainly help to keep more of the visitors there and possibly even tempt them to browse further. Another smart addition to their site was their refocus onto a more entertainment side of the news as well. Previously, CNN stood for a very business-like side of the news which I felt like often turned off the younger viewers. This new format would likely pay off for CNN down the road when the current younger population looks for a website to browse for news as well as the entertainment they focused on in years past. It was very good research that they conducted to find the current population’s interest point and adjust their site to match that.
In comparing the former site that we used for the assignment with this new current one, there are some obvious differing points, all of which were strong decisions in my opinion. The first which is the most obvious is the transfer from the formerly text driven homepage to what now is much more video, image driven. This is for a visual appeal that will draw in the common user rather than the more meticulous and experienced user. The details can still be found, just by digging into the website, while the things that draw your attention stand out on the outside. Another key difference that I found was actually a stronger developed organizational system. CNN’s old organization was very solid, particularly towards the top of their homepage. However, as you began to scroll I found myself a bit more confused. This new design has everything very pinpointed into a direct spot that allows for new users to adjust and comfort themselves with a much greater ease. Overall I agree with everything that CNN has chose to do and actually look forward to adding CNN as a new site I look upon when gathering news information.