DESIGN PATTERNS FOR THE ONLINE NEWSPAPER GENRE - A GENRE ANALYSIS OF 85 SWEDISH DAILY ONLINE NEWSPAPERS

Abstract

This thesis focuses on the role of design patterns in the design of the online newspaper genre. The research question put forth here is: How can design patterns be used to improve the online newspaper design process? Genre theory was applied to revile the structure and visual pattern of online newspaper design in an analysis of 85 Swedish online newspapers. Based on the results from the genre analysis, the concept of design patterns was used in forming basis for a common language for actors involved in designing online newspapers. This thesis provides a) a framework for understanding design characteristics of a specific digital genre, usable for generating design patterns b) a mapping of the design characteristics of the Swedish online newspapers c) a basis for a common design language, expressed in a template for design patterns based on genre characteristics for the online newspaper genre and d) a number of high level design patterns written specifically for front pages of online newspapers.