Functional Labeling

Labeling is a crucial element of navigation and can affect the quality of usability of a news website.

 

Researchers found that all news articles can be separated into these topics: Art, Business, Health, Science, Sports, Technology, and Travel. Two other topics that could be also added in to these topical labels are Politics and Religion.

 

 

Locative labeling has increased in use as GPS and locative technology have increased. Researchers show the increase in mobile devices is pushing the trend of news labeling to be more locative.  It is changing from a narrative label of “local news” to “news near you”, making the presentation and navigation more personalized to each user.

 

 

Directing users to headlining stories is also a function of functional labeling. It may also save users time searching or continuing coverage of a big news event that there be a separate label, possibly temporary, for a collection of articles to be filed under.  Research shows the website “needs a method to automatically present different aspects of a news event.”

 

 

Research shows that the size of text in labels and headlines matter in users ability to recall information experienced on the news website. The same study also showed headlines under a breaking news label that were put in a separate box “captured more attention and eye fixation”.

 

The study explained in the article “The Presence and Use of Interactive Features on News Websites” also found “most discussed and most popular articles were identified with labels such as ‘most discussed’, ‘most commented’, ‘most popular’, or ‘trending’.” The study found top news outlets are more likely to include links to ‘most popular’, ‘related’ or ‘recommended’ content than local news outlets. And the most common place where these links are placed is at the bottom of the page.

Slide shows are often a popular interactive feature included on news websites. Research also shows slide shows on news websites that were labeled with a next button or arrow key had longer viewing time from users than thumbnail navigation. Designers can include both an arrow button and thumbnail navigation for optimal usability. See below.

 

It is important to develop a consistent labeling system for a news website, not just labels. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors Louis Rosenfeld, Peter Morville, and Jorge Arango write that a successful labeling system “is designed with one or more characteristics that unify its members.” They write that “consistency means predictability, and systems that are more predictable are simply easier to learn.”  They stress this is “especially important for first-time users.” The consistency as with all effective design techniques will “benefit all users by making labeling easy to learn, easy to use, and therefore invisible.”

Issues That Affect Consistency In Labeling

 

Style, Presentation, Syntax, Granularity, Comprehensiveness, and Audience

 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.

Labeling For Public Safety

 

News websites often release information about emergency situations or alerts. This is why the usability quality of a news website and the users ability to comprehend the message is imperative to public safety. This is the reason why emergency alerts should be placed in a conspicuous location and in an eye-catching color.

Another issue of concern for users of news websites has been the increased use of Native Advertising or sponsored news articles on news websites. As news organizations have struggled to create revenue streams in the digital space, the practice of using advertisements camouflaged as news articles has increased. Because of this there have been guidelines set in order to ethically use native advertising.

 

 

Labeling should be truthful and not deceptive. The Federal Trade Commission issued guidelines for labeling Native Advertising in 2015 and a recent study shows that only one in five users of news websites in their study recognized the article as advertising and when they did they then perceived it has highly deceptive. That perceived deception then led to a negative attitude towards the advertised brand. The study suggests that publishers of news websites and advertisers should clearly label native advertising making the articles harder to misinterpret.

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News Websites: Designs That Work

 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.

News Websites: Designs That Work

 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.

News Websites: Designs That Work

 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.

News Websites:

Designs That Work

 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.
 Style Includes issues with punctuation, case, grammar, spelling. A copy of Strunk & White is a useful tool to have on hand when looking at style issues. Presentation Includes issues with fonts, font sizes, color, whitespace, and grouping. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors emphasize the use of “six principles of design” that include the use of a focal point or emphasis, contrast, balance, movement, rhythm or pattern, and unity. These should be considered when designing labels. Another design practice that is effective is considering the typography of labels. In White Space Is Not Your Enemy, the authors suggest using sans-serif fonts for maximum readability and suggest using Humanist forms because of their stroke thickness are the “most readable sans-serif fonts.” The authors conclude, “among the most readable onscreen fonts are Helvetica, Verdana, and Arial” because of their “larger x-heights and open letterforms.” Readability should also be considered for users who may have visual impairments. Syntax It is recommended to use a “single syntactical approach” when creating a labeling system. Labels can be verb-based, noun-based, or questioned based.
Granularity Labels on news websites should be “roughly equal in their specificity” because having labels that have differing levels of granularity can be confusing. An example uncovered in usability testing of news websites shows users have a difficult time navigating to a specific article if the labels are too similar in their meaning.
 Comprehensiveness News websites can also improve labeling consistency by making sure relevant labels are included. In Information From The Web and Beyond, authors write, “a comprehensive scope also helps people do a better job of quickly scanning and inferring the environment’s content.” Audience In order to create consistent labels, the terms used should be familiar to the audience. Labels like “breaking news” or “emergency alert” are likely to be understood by users of news websites.