BBC: Simplified
My main aim for redesigning the BBC site was to completely de-clutter and simplify it.
Like many popular and large sites the content had become so much, and so much had been added to the homepage over such a long time that the result was cluttered, overwhelming and hard to use: not the desired effect.
I started by going through the content currently on the BBC homepage and sorting it into what I thought was necessary and what I thought could be gotten rid of.
I then proceeded to make my entry, which I'll take you through now.
At the very top there is a large header, and six main links, and a search bar. I have used rounded rectangles as I think this has a much more modern and clean look.
There is also a personalised login part, showing a message centre and settings panel. I think it is time that the BBC joined the ranks of websites with personalisation: message centres to inform you of new messages on forums, for example, and personalised news/weather/sports etc.
Of course there is always the consideration that the site should be useable to everyone, even if they do not wish to log in, so I have not based my homepage entirely around the personal BBC area.
Below I have sorted the content into four main boxes: News, Sport, Browse and TV/Radio. I have used expandable layers for the headlines and TV listings, this allows many headlines to be shown in a smaller space, making the homepage much less cluttered.
In the Radio section there is a streaming radio for your favourite radio station, selected in your settings area. The use of media in the site is something I would really like to see more of.
Underneath comes the standard BBC links and Copyright information.
I have tried to create a design as simple yet practical as possible, and also one pleasing to the eye. If I could improve the service further I would like to see more personalisation and more media content, with more programs available to watch after they have been aired.
- 24 May 2006 17:19
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