The original brief was to develop a iOS version of the newspaper delivering the same content and with an audio version. There was also a need to output each week's issue using the existing production system.
Due to this a native app was developed using 5-6 templates that would render each issue keeping the look and feel of the printed product. Advertising was positioned in a similar way to the print edition.
Library screen
The landing screen, much the same as a print product, was the cover. This is the library of covers where a reader can choose which issue to read.
They can also delete issues (but still have it available) if they want to free up space on their iPad.
They can also delete issues (but still have it available) if they want to free up space on their iPad.
This screen shows a subscriber's view where there is no need to have 'Subscribe' and 'Buy Single Issue' calls-to-action.
Article templates
It was important to keep the landscape and portrait design close to each other and to the format of the print magazine. Also, due to the simple production process there had to be strict template rules that automatically rendered the text and images.
This is the landscape view, which has automatically resized the same image and positioned it porportionally based on the template rules. Notice that it is the exact same aspect ratio, There is no cropping involved.
There was a need to create a landscape design to separate the opening of the longer 'Briefing' sections with a more picture-driven layout.
The columnist template called for a different template, utilising the charismatic illustrations that are associated with each author. This shows Lexington, the column about the US, with a KAL cartoon.
Although there was only around 5-6 templates it was important to make it instantly recognisable which section of the newspaper you were in. This is the leader template, one of the most crucial as it comments of the editorial viewpoint of the week's cover.
TOC redesign
It was felt the initial implementation of the table of contents did not provide a full overview of the issue. There was also a need to provide a consistent marketing message to users downloading the free content. This can be seen at the bottom of the screen.
On the right-hand column more information was added to the listings so that reader could get a sample of the article before they decided to purchase.
The same table of contents, but for a subscriber. Note that there is no marketing message and the left-hand column reflects that of the print edition.
