Handelsblatt
Problem
In doing an initial review of the Handelsblatt.com web site we found the site design to be consistent with the overall brand. However, the key issue that needed to be resolved was creating a visual hierarchy to make help users through the page by segmenting the different types of information and functions in the site. Contributing to the hierarchy problems were too many headlines of the same size and weight, a header that seemed to contribute to the clutter and a very long page with no clear labeling to distinguish the different sections.
Additionally, there were other issues that needed to be addressed including the site’s alignment, the lack of interactivity and overall dated look.
Process
The first task was to create story structures for the main story, secondary stories and other headlines, and also to visually distinguish other site features like market data, multimedia, columnists and special sections. Adding an orange header gave more prominence to the editorial while making the navigation easier to scan. Creating a distinct style for multimedia and special site features gives users clear entry points to other parts of the site. Additionally, the bottom part of the site is clearly segmented by section, with a main story for each section and more headlines that users can customize to get more or less from the different sections.
Much attention was paid to the article pages where users can seamlessly tab to related content and images, as well as comment or read other comments related to the article. This was done to improve the site’s stickiness, keeping users on the site longer.
Mobile
For the mobile part of this project we worked with the Handelsblatt staff to focus on the headlines, understanding that more users browse headlines on mobile devices. There is the same sense of hierarchy with a main headline and secondary headlines, as well as clear labeling to distinguish the sections and their headlines.
Handelsblatt mobile for Blackberry
Outcome
Perhaps the best part of this project and it’s greatest asset was the team behind it. I have blogged about that experience here. The user response has been overwhelmingly positive since it’s launch. If you read German, Handelsblatt has set up a great redesign blog where you can learn more about the process and read what others are saying about the redesign.