Designed by Research
Before determining an overall concept or visual design direction, we collected visual and experiential information in order to develop an informed basis for how we would address the creation of a portable, electronic news reader.
By analyzing current newspaper publications as well as digital news aggregators and presentation models, we were able to develop a series of iterative design explorations that worked to build on the successes and address the shortcomings of the various models that we investigated. This collection process eventually influenced our conceptual and functional direction as well as informed our design decisions as applied to the use of space, display of content and integration of typographic variance.
By analyzing current newspaper publications as well as digital news aggregators and presentation models, we were able to develop a series of iterative design explorations that worked to build on the successes and address the shortcomings of the various models that we investigated. This collection process eventually influenced our conceptual and functional direction as well as informed our design decisions as applied to the use of space, display of content and integration of typographic variance.
Physical newspaper analysis
Use documentation
In order to better understand the movement, gesture and functional concerns of a traditional news source, use of the newspaper was documented in 2 different environments. We were interested in looking at how the reader moved through the content and the ways in which the media was manipulated to do so.
View Reading Documentation Video [QuickTime]
Current traditional models used for column organization, text formating and typographic selections.
An example of format, design and typographic change based on the display of indexed content as apposed to narrative content.
Existing models for electronic news sharing and aggregation
NewsVine is a community in which users share, rate and comment on news and events. It offers live news feeds and content tailored to a reader's location and interest if they are a registered member.
NetVibes and other customizable RSS Readers allow users to subscribe to feeds in order to create a space where customized content comes to them instead of them always having to go to to the content. NetVibes also provides a series of content and functionality specific widgets.
Existing models for displaying geographically relevant content
Above: Flickr GeoTagged images displayed on the user map
Above: Schmap
Analysis of current (and near future) eReaders
In order to better understand how our proposed news reader would align with the thinking around current devices, we went through a lengthy list of current and soon-to-be released eReaders in order to develop a list of pro's and con's. This diagram illustrates the highlights of our findings.
View the larger diagram here.
Use documentation
In order to better understand the movement, gesture and functional concerns of a traditional news source, use of the newspaper was documented in 2 different environments. We were interested in looking at how the reader moved through the content and the ways in which the media was manipulated to do so.
View Reading Documentation Video [QuickTime]
Current traditional models used for column organization, text formating and typographic selections.
An example of format, design and typographic change based on the display of indexed content as apposed to narrative content.
Existing models for electronic news sharing and aggregation
NewsVine is a community in which users share, rate and comment on news and events. It offers live news feeds and content tailored to a reader's location and interest if they are a registered member.
NetVibes and other customizable RSS Readers allow users to subscribe to feeds in order to create a space where customized content comes to them instead of them always having to go to to the content. NetVibes also provides a series of content and functionality specific widgets.
Existing models for displaying geographically relevant content
Above: Flickr GeoTagged images displayed on the user map
Above: Schmap
Analysis of current (and near future) eReaders
In order to better understand how our proposed news reader would align with the thinking around current devices, we went through a lengthy list of current and soon-to-be released eReaders in order to develop a list of pro's and con's. This diagram illustrates the highlights of our findings.
View the larger diagram here.