"The Washington Post" is a daily newspaper which can also be accessed online. This newspaper provides great information when it comes to anything from breaking news stories to sports columns. I typically visit the website in lieu of reading the newspaper because of the accessibility and ease of going online.
The layout of "The Washington Post" website follows a well organized grid. The visual dynamics flow left to right and top to bottom. Three columns of stories run down the page, making it easy for readers to find stories that appeal to them. Along the left column, the titles and leads of stories draw readers in without giving too much information. This way, the reader decides what he/she wants to read and can then follow a link to the full story. The middle column also shows the leads of stories, but, in addition, has a larger picture to draw in the audience. The right column is mostly made up of advertisements and discussion pages. I, as a reader, find the separation of the advertisements very helpful. On some websites, the advertisements get in the way, and I accidentally click on them. Having them in a different column prevents that.
The organization of the tool bar parallels that of the columns. All of the navigational links are organized across the top of the banner, allowing readers to find information quickly. Finding information quickly online is important, because if readers cannot find information quickly, they will leave the site.
Consumers of online newspapers also find the overall appearance important. One thing that stands out to me when visiting this site is how clean everything looks. I say clean because the page is done in black and white, thus, giving it a very pristine look . The use of black and white contribute to the feeling of seriousness of the newspaper. While "The Washington Post" includes sections for entertainment (i.e. music, horoscopes, and comics), the main focus is on news. When comparing this website with one utilized for entertainment purposes, the difference in color schemas is noticeable (many websites for entertainment are brightly colored and flashy).
The organization and appearance of the website make it a good one to visit. It invites the readers in without being overdone and busy. The content is scannable, which makes information easy to access. The division of information seems natural, which makes the page flow very well. While these aspects of web design seem futile, they contribute to making "The Washington Post" one of the most visited online newspapers.
The Washington Post Online
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