What have you done MSNBC? Your news site used to be one of the most pleasant to use, but now things are different. Today you unveiled your “new and improved” design, which in my opinion is a usability nightmare. Too much scrolling, clicking, digging to find what I need. I’m guessing you must have used the same designer who put together FoxNews.com. And what’s with the truly hideous rainbow title banner at the top?
Why do US news sites suck so bad? Why haven’t any of them truly figured out how to design a visually pleasing, easily navigable design? CNN.com’s recent design update is a step in the right direction, but it’s far from being good at this point. I think the US news sites need to look to the BBC or Google News for guidance.
One major suggestion for “the big three” of American online news services, tone down the ads a bit. When one-third or more of your page is dedicated to giant, moving, flash based ads it gets a little busy. When I can’t easily tell the difference between an ad and a story, you’ve got a major usability problem.
Currently playing in iTunes: Don’t Fear the Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult Acoustic Cover) by Him
I have blogged on FoxNews.com’s design before and I completely agree.
While I get all my industry news online, I now get most of my local, national, and international news from the radio on NPR. Its site isn’t that bad either.
Speaking of truly bad web design, my vote for the WORST web design goes to BRAVO TV.
What executive in their right mind would approve such a ridiculous design? I feel nauseated just looking at it! It’s a complete mess.
Wow…two years for this? It’s a step backwards in functionality and readability. Who did they have in those user groups? I would fire whoever my lead designer is and go find out who redesigned CNN and hire them.
Go back to the drawing board MSNBC.