How Design and Attention Impact the Way We Consume News

How Design and Attention Impact the Way We Consume News

In today's digital age, the way we consume news has drastically changed. With the rise of smartphones, we can now access news articles and videos anytime, anywhere. However, recent research suggests that people read news differently on their phones compared to desktop computers. It seems that readers on mobile devices may spend less time on news sites and be less focused on the content they are consuming (Molyneux, 2017).

This brings us to the first secret of great design, as highlighted by Tony Fadell in his TED Talk. As human beings, we naturally habituate to everyday things, which allows us to focus on new experiences and learn about new things. However, this habituation can be detrimental when it prevents us from noticing the problems that surround us (Fadell, 2014).

Fadell's first tip is to look broader when tackling a problem. By taking a step back and examining the steps that lead up to the problem, we can identify potential areas for improvement. Perhaps we can combine certain steps or even eliminate them altogether to create a better solution. This concept applies not only to product design but also to the way we consume news on our mobile devices.

When reading news articles on our phones, we often encounter various steps or distractions that may hinder our focus. From pop-up ads to endless scrollable content, these elements can detract from the overall news-reading experience. By looking broader and considering alternative ways to present news on mobile devices, we can potentially enhance the attention and engagement of readers.

Fadell's second tip is to look closer and pay attention to the tiny details that we may not initially notice. In the context of news consumption, this means examining the specific elements that may be affecting our ability to absorb information effectively. Are there unnecessary features or design choices that could be eliminated? By addressing these smaller details, we can optimize the news-reading experience and improve our overall understanding of the content.

Lastly, Fadell advises us to think younger. Children, who have not yet habituated to the world around them, approach problems with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. They haven't been conditioned by years of exposure to the same methods and approaches, allowing them to think outside the box. Fadell suggests having young people or individuals with young minds on our teams to bring a different framework and perspective to problem-solving (Fadell, 2014).

This concept of thinking younger aligns with the idea that innovation often stems from younger individuals or those from different domains. These individuals have the ability to see problems from a unique viewpoint, leading to breakthrough solutions. Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is when he or she grows up, is how to remain an artist." This quote resonates with the notion that as we grow older, we tend to lose the imaginative and innovative mindset that children possess.

In conclusion, the way we consume news on our mobile devices is different from how we engage with it on desktop computers. However, by incorporating principles of great design and adopting a fresh perspective, we can enhance the news-reading experience. By looking broader, looking closer, and thinking younger, we can optimize the way news is presented and improve our ability to absorb information effectively.

Actionable Advice:

1. Look broader: When facing a problem, take a step back and examine the steps that lead up to it. Consider if there are any unnecessary elements or processes that can be eliminated or combined for a better solution.
2. Look closer: Pay attention to the tiny details that may be affecting your ability to absorb information effectively. Question the importance of these details and explore alternative ways to present content for optimal engagement.
3. Think younger: Surround yourself with individuals who bring a fresh perspective and different framework to problem-solving. Embrace the innovative ideas that come from younger minds or those from different domains.

By implementing these three actionable pieces of advice, we can enhance the way we consume news and improve our overall attention and engagement. Let's strive for better design and innovation in the digital news landscape.