Strategy and design tips for tablet magazine apps

Ever since the birth of the iPad, or similar tablet devices, publishers have been struggling to adapt to this new medium. Recently we’ve seen too many poorly designed apps hit the market, and we’d like to make sure your publication doesn’t fall into this unfortunate category.

Here are a few strategy and design tips to consider before diving into the exclusive tablet magazine publishing community:

Strategy

Gather your writers, editors, and publishing staff to discuss your magazine app strategy before entering production – make sure the following items are discussed in detail:

• Budget is the first element to consider. Depending on number of pages and which publishing option you choose, prices vary and generally fall on the expensive side. Once you know how much you can spend, shop around (see Creating Digital Publications for the iPad article for details) and choose the best solution for your budget and your magazine.

• Exclusive content is another major consideration that some have overlooked, and their tablet magazines have failed because of it. Most tablet owners will not pay for magazine subscriptions when the content is identical to the printed publication, which they can generally get for free on the Web.

• New angle – consider whether or not your editorial team can find a way to share similar information in a new and unique approach. For example, online content is usually written in a shorter, more succinct style than its printed counterparts because people go to the Web to get information quickly. The same rule applies to the tablet; consumers use this device differently than any other publishing medium. Editorial teams first need to understand how and why this consumer group is using their tablets in order to provide the content they want and, more importantly, will pay for.

Design

• Include Tablet-Exclusive Multimedia Elements – This device is enormously popular because of its unique features. You can surf the web, check out pictures and video in super high-resolution, and learn more about just about anything with the tap of your finger. Do not overlook these multimedia elements or under estimate their significance when building content and design. You’re doing your magazine app and your readers a huge disservice if you don’t include these elite features; that’s why they bought it right? So create your product accordingly!

• Sharing to Social Networks – The ability to share content through social networks is a sought after option for most readers, however this should be a smooth transition without annoying those who are not so “social.” When designing social networking elements, be sure they don’t add clutter. Provide the option, but don’t make it in your face.

Stay at the top of your game and in the hands of your favorite audiences by planning ahead, offering extraordinary content found nowhere else, and by infusing the newest technology into your design techniques. If you’re thinking of taking your publication from print to pad, and may need some assistance along the way, we’d love to hear from you!

Read more posts by Emily Randisi