Comments on: User feedback drives five principles for multimedia news on the Web

By: Mindy McAdams

Mindy McAdams — Sat, 24 Sep 2005 13:28:26 +0000

For breaking news graphics, there’s a good reason why so many news organizations use tried-and-true templates. This can be a boon for usability. These reusable templates can be tested and improved before the next breaking news situation.

When you’re creating a longer-term project, however, you have the luxury of trying new things. (This was not the case with the December 2004 tsunami.) I think it’s sad when a creative team quits trying out new ideas.

By: Robert Niles

Robert Niles — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 09:56:20 +0000

Unfortunately, in a deadline environment, graphic journalists simply do not have the time to test their work on a sample audience (neither do any other journalists, for that matter). So editors, reporters and designers need to develop a reliable, subconscious sense for the reader’s perspective, and apply that constantly in their work.

Experience is the best way to develop this sense. And reading research like this helps journalists develop that experience. Especially in relatively new disciplines like online graphics.

By: Dave Benson

Dave Benson — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 07:44:01 +0000

In the business world this is a concept commonly known(but rarely observed)as “Eat your own dogfood.” In other words: test your product in the same manner, and under the same conditions, as your consumer.

I find that many online publications quickly become enamored with the “Gee Whiz” factor and frequently forget to take into account the skill level, and techno-saviness of their intended audience.

By: Geeta Canpadee

Geeta Canpadee — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 05:53:40 +0000

Any quality of Graphics or Photo Coverage can’t match what the real eyes have seen and witnessed.