A protocol analysis study on the process of designing a newspaper front page

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Authors
Schmitt, Charmaine Elieth
Advisor
Weaver, Marilyn
Issue Date
1995
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Journalism
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This thesis was a descriptive study of the process of designing a newspaper front page by three journalists. The newspaper industry has placed increased importance on journalistic design. However, little research had been completed on the mental processes of designers.This study was concerned with the processes that occur as professional journalists designed a front page of a newspaper as determined by protocol analysis. Three Indiana newspapers,The Evansville Courier, The South Bend Tribune and The Times from Munster, Ind., were selected. The individual who designed the front page on a regular basis participated in the protocol sessions.The conclusions showed that these designers spent the majority of the design process planning and analyzing materials to be used. The majority of all decisions made by the designers were based on past design knowledge. The journalists applied their skills in a rapid and confident way as they designed separate portions of the page until all elements were used and the page was complete.

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