A Web Designer's Critique of The Huffington Post's Website

As a professional web designer, my experience with The Huffington Post's website is often less than favorable. The website adopts a traditional three-column layout, a common approach in news channels, but falls short in terms of aesthetics and usability.

Is it aesthetically pleasing? No. Is it objectively successful? No. The layout desperately needs an overhaul. More space is required, and content needs to be more prominent in the initial viewing. If you have to scroll through the site to even catch a glimpse of a single article beyond the featured image and the menu dropdown, that's a sure sign that the design decisions did not prioritize user convenience.

In comparison, another website that stands out as a shining example of effective design is The MIT Post. It is the official media and journalism body of my college, and I had the privilege of designing and developing it. This website provides a stark contrast to that of The Huffington Post, showcasing wider margins, better spacing, more variety of content, neater fonts, and line heights. The data is presented in a cleaner, more presentable manner, which greatly enhances the user experience.

Design Flaws in The Huffington Post

The website's design is marred by several issues, including:

Unbalanced Layout: The columns are overcrowded, cramped, and poorly aligned. This results in a chaotic and unorganized appearance, making it difficult for users to find what they need quickly. Font and Color Issues: The choice of fonts and colors is jarring. The text may be too small or poorly legible, and the color scheme can be off-putting, making the content look unprofessional and unappealing. Line Height and Spacing: The line height and spacing between elements are inconsistent, causing a lack of visual hierarchy. This can make it challenging for readers to follow the content logically, detracting from the overall readability. Prominent Feature vs. Content: The prominent featured images and menus overshadow more substantive content, leading to a design that prioritizes showiness over substance.

Effectiveness of the Contrast

The stark contrast between The Huffington Post and The MIT Post highlights the importance of thoughtful web design. Effective websites not only look good but also function well, providing a seamless and engaging experience for users. The MIT Post, with its wider margins and better spacing, makes it easier for users to navigate through the content.

Conclusion

While The Huffington Post has an abundance of content, its execution falls short in several critical areas. Good content deserves to be presented in a manner that makes it accessible and engaging. A well-designed website can significantly enhance the user experience and drive engagement, leading to a more successful and effective online presence.