Broadsheet to Browser: New York Times offers an Interactive Website

The less the user thinks the smarter the website design. The average internet-surfer has to know where to look for what, without loosing patience scrolling and searching. An intuitive, or user-centered design, will anticipate what the user wants. The New York Times’ website encapsulates many aspects of user-centered design such as interactivity through discussion boards and mashups.


The primary reason to type “ nytimes.com ” into a browser is to stay informed with the world’s happenings. For this reason, the very first webpage of the site broadcasts breaking news, updated regularly, accompanied by a picture relating to that story. Instead of directing the user to the history of the periodical or subscription process, the website recognizes the ubiquitous interest of staying informed and displays breaking news. Tabs on the top left direct users to “Today’s Paper,” “Most Popular,” “Video,” and “Times Topics.” While hyperlinks on the left vertical bar lead users to every topic, a search bar on the top right can take the user to any page related to the users search inquiry. Without even scrolling down, the internet-surfer has access to the entire website.


In this age of convergence, where mediums constantly overlap, the New York Times, recognizes that the average user wants more than a “black and white” news report. Many feature segments include videos, sound clips and photographs. Furthermore, discussion boards prod browsers to “share what [they] think.” If you want to follow, what contributing reporters think of the latest news, you can follow the Time’s blogs, which are divided into subcategories based on topic.


In a recent exposé entitled, “Clean Water Laws Are Neglected, at a Cost in Suffering,” the Times implemented a kind of mashup feature. Combining maps powered by Google and information from water testing, the map feature allowed subscribers to search and explore condition of their local water supply.


Such features are advertised alongside the content of the actual article. Smart website design draws the user to the content (article), while keeping additional options (video, sound clip, photos, blogs, discussion board) in plain view.


The New York Times’ website addresses the changing media landscape and demands of its users by creating a user-center design for its web page. The website remains popular for me, and many users because of its multi-media features and interactive features.