I will log my initial reactions to each of the top 10 website and then analyse the top 5 in terms of layout and hierarchy.
It's also important to remember we're dealing with BBC Online, an entertainment broadcaster above a news provider but in terms of layout the whole BBC brand is pretty similar.
1. CNN.com
Emphasis on the top half of the screen, important articles have more prominence in size
Multiple strands and 'tabs' of information. Good or bad? I find it a bit confusing
Editors choice section.
Inconsistent thumbnail size
Clear navigational bar and clear logo, highlighted in red.
2. CBS News
Good use of type, bold.
Digital, lack of gradients.
Sleek and subtle navigation bar
Monotone colour scheme. Reminiscent of newspaper.
3. ABCNews
Cool little live video of what's on tv. Adds some movement and life
Huge navigation bar with buttons that look like adverts but in fact button
Balance of information is top heavy, most news websites are.
Drop-downs with images and headlines
4. Google News
Feels like a section of Google and not a dedicated news website
Top stories tab is useful
Pretty 'dull' uninteresting but functional
relays links to other news websites
5. Reuters
Pattern of the same typeface and the same layout
Literally can't tell some of these websites apart if you take away the logos!
6. Yahoo News
Similar template to previous websites, main news articles on the left, simple tet and thumbnail headings along the right.
Kind of unappealing small thumbnails, looks very dated in my opinion and uninspiring, like these
7. BBC News Online
"Latest" section with 'live' statuses, such as football scores
The layout still looks quite dated although it's different to template style websites such as Yahoo. Integrated with iPlayer well in terms of video
Tabs are quite simple, website tabs, and higher hierarchy sections such as Sport, to go to the sport website, weather for weather etc.
8. World News
Slightly refreshing but disjointed visual style, lack of consistency with font and layout. Navigation on the left is a change to the usual top horizontal style, use of gradients and dodgy type, outer glows etc isn't appealing and very modern and forward-thinking.
9. MSNBC
Pretty identical to sites like Reuters, Yahoo News, ABC News etc. There's no real standout visual indicators to keep you coming back.
Inconsistent thumbnail sizes again and cramming of information.
10. FOXnews
Actually not too bad looking closer, consistent thumbnail size
although the website is crammed it's easier on the eye and your eye follows around a little easier
more considered layout.
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