UK: The Independent in full color

Posted by Lauren Drablier on September 24, 2008 at 11:54 AM

The Independent launched its redesigned full color paper today.

Editor Roger Alton has created a color-coding system to facilitate navigation through the sections of the paper. Alton went further to state, "The Independent has always been acclaimed for its innovative use of photography and design, and our new printing processes will allow us to maintain and surpass those high standards."

The paper also includes a new "Independent Life" supplement to replace its second Extra section. The change designed to make the paper more customer focused according to Alton. The Independent Life section will have a specific daily focus. Mondays, style and beauty; Tuesdays, health and well-being; Wednesdays, games and gadgets; Thursdays, food and drink; and Fridays, arts and books in an extended section.

Other changes include the addition of extra text styles with new headline and labeling typefaces. However, body type will remain the same. The price has also been increased to £1.

Creative director of The Guardian, Mark Porter, gave his insights about the new fonts and layout. However, he had some harsh words for the editor's remarks about the recent changes; "And a word about that editor's letter. Editors, if you really believe in your redesigns can you try a bit harder to convince us? Alton's reads: "In addition to our fresh new look we have introduced a number of improvements to the paper's structure and content ... color-coded signposting ... easier to navigate ... a more modern and elegant font", and so on. Much like every editor's letter about every recent newspaper redesign, then."

Source: The Guardian via Ifra; OrganGrinder Blog - The Guardian