Syracuse.com is affiliated with the Syracuse Post Standard daily newspaper. Most of this website relies on its "user-friendly" nature. A person can either choose to log on to peruse the site, or simply click on where he or she wants to go. Users who have a user ID/ screen name can share photos, videos and more. Both types of users can post comments, read the comments of others, and send news stories to others.
The site is designed for the user. There is a navigation bar at the top the page to link users to other pages with the content they desire, (sports, weather, etc) and many of these categories have sub-categories within them. To make it simpler on a user who may not know where to start with this wealth of information, there are also boxes with links to feature stories in them for each category, so a user can skim them for information.
I think the way that this site is set up is an example of our media culture today. Many people get their information through "info-snacking," that is, skimming for small pieces of information and moving on to the next source. This site is perfect for that. Not only do you not actually have to use the navigation bar to see stories of the day (you can simply skim the headlines in the featured stories boxes) but before you click on a story headline, there is a little blurb that summarizes the story. For most people today, that blurb is enough to get by on.
Personally, I think "info-snacking" is unsatisfying and a little sad. I do it sometimes, but more often than not, I need to read the rest of the story. When people don't take time to read and process the entire story, how can they contribute to a meaningful conversation? Much of what makes a particular story worth discussing are the details--which are lacking in those little snippets.
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteIn an effort to continue the robust dialogue outside of class, I do hereby raise a contention to the P-S.
I think there is a user element to the site, but I think there's so much info here and not enough hierarchy or negative space. The interface for me has always been more cumbersome than the paper version. I wouldn't put it at the top of my list of sites with great interfaces/usability, but it's awesome that you're already starting to point out the things that users seek with a good commentary on our attention-spastic culture.
Keep up the good work,
paul