1What is online journalism? - Ayo Menulis FISIP UAJY

200 Journalism Online
Designers have always been aware of its potency on the printed
page. The screen is no different. Some of the most successful
web pages use the background to the content to form a design
as much as the content itself.
But be careful. The use of alignment in text and the square
edges of the images add visual guides to a page. They can
imply a grid system which can enhance white space, but also
trap it. These areas of trapped space can interrupt the flow of
the page, affecting the balance of individual elements and
ultimately the balance of your whole page.
The successful use of white space is a great skill. At this
stage, it is best to be aware of its potency. It is not just the
receptacle of the text, images, etc. It has a visual weight of its
own.
Use of colour
For some, white space is a non-issue because they flood their
screens with fuchsia, turquoise or lime green. Each to his own.
Colour is a powerful tool in the designer’s box, so you are
advised to use it carefully.
Colour can say much about your site and you. It should be
used in line with your mission statement. Sounds absurd,
doesn’t it. Colour designed by mission. But if the purpose of
your design is to communicate, colour is an important part of
this process.
The truth is that, on many web sites, colour has a far greater
potential to disrupt, annoy and repel users than to attract them.
The wrong use of a coloured text on a differently coloured
background can render Pulitzer prize winning journalism
unreadable. Colours that extend beyond the pallette of web
browsers will result in a look which was not what the designer
intended. Harsh, bright or overpowering colours can make
screen reading too arduous.
If you think carefully about your users and what they want,
you can provide a colour scheme that will enhance your
message and encourage user involvement.