Lean Processes and User Centered Design in the Newsroom

ANITAZIELINAChief-Editor NZZ

Putting Innovation IntoPractice in a Legacy News Organization

Anita Zielina, Editor-in-Chief New Products NZZ Budapest, October 19th 2015

NZZ Slide

Anita Zielina, Editor-in-Chief New Products NZZ Budapest, October 19th 2015

NZZ - the Oldest Still Existing Media Brand in Switzerland (235 Years, that’s something)

Relentless Innovation.

New methods.New teams.New products.

„Are we Moving Fast Enough?“

1. Create and EncourageDiverse Teams

2. Implement Creative Processes and Methods

Brainstorming, User Feedback, Use of Whiteboards, Visual Prototypes…

2. Foster a Culture ofExperimentation

3.Introduce Agile Development

(Not Only on the Tech Side)

4. Put the User First. And Last.

And in the Middle.

Case 1:The NZZ.ch-Redesign

The NZZ.ch-Redesign

• Several thousand Beta-Testers were involved in developing the new design for over 8 months

• Not only surveys, but open questions• After every iteration, new feedback loops followed• Iterate after taking the wrong path• Continue to integrate the users in the debate• A/B-Test everything major• Ask for feedback

Case 2: Redesigning the E-Paper

Case 3: The daily „News Briefing“

The daily „News Briefing“

• Users articulated a need for quick orientation in a confined space• Before we “built” something, we created a rough MVP• After that: 2500 user feedbacks• 80% gave 4 of 5 or 5 of 5 points • With this feedback, we created the next stage prototype• Now 60.000 users a day, 75% mobile usage

Storytelling New Products

Editorial Development NZZ.ch

Developing New Features and Products – a Structure Built forUser Centered Design

Thank you. Questions?

Anita ZielinaEditor-in-Chief New Products

Neue Zürcher Zeitung AGFalkenstrasse 11 • PostfachCH-8021 Zürichanita.zielina@nzz.chwww.nzz.ch