Often, we think publications run stories with "get blog attention" at the top of storyboards. Take AdAge's "How would you change the 'New York Times'?" piece.
Asking four designers how they'd change the NYT from staid to praised is practically shouting, "Hey! Jossip! Over here!" And like a good blog bitch, we come when we're beckoned.
But for all scribe Jonah Bloom's asking of the experts, we haven't exactly discovered the holy grail of reTimesification that will deliver Arthur Sulzberger Jr. increased readership, more respect or fewer bylines with numerals.
The tips, quite frankly, just aren't that intuitive. Or practical.
Offers Ogilvy exec creative director Brian Collins:
Much of its on-going appeal has to do with The Times centuries-proven design format. The way I see it, it’s one of the most user-friendly design systems I know … no plug, digital interface, cable, antenna or signal. I can take it to the beach, park, cab or subway. Reading it is an anchoring ritual for my family and me.
Ah, so the secret to a successful newspaper is that it, indeed, be printed on newsprint? One moment while we file that way.
Then there's "award-winning" newspaper architect Lucie Lacava, opining:
The other problem right now is that many North American broadsheets are still poorly designed. Many of them follow the New York Times and the Journal, which have little clear hierarchy in terms of the most important stories. The New York Times needs more obvious story hierarchy — increasingly readers want to know what their trusted source thinks is most important.
We agree. In fact, we already agreed. Moving on.
Newspaper designer Pelle Anderson remarks:
I'm a great believer in newspapers: They don't need recharging, and can be used to light fireplaces and wrap trout in. Try that with a Palm Pilot!
We did. And if you can stand the small and the sparks, it'll do just fine.
We're not getting very far, people. One last chance, in the form of GE Healthcare director of global design Seth Banks:
I would eliminate paper and go to a newly developed organic liquid-crystal flexible display. One presentation page that could be plugged in and updated prior to leaving the house, and everything would be downloaded into the memory.
And while we're asking God for favors, could you mention something about pumping out Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters? Thanks, doll.
