To redesign a newspaper - a casestudy of Folkbladet

Abstract: The newspaper industry changes with the society. New trends and developments affect how layout and design are perceived. Therefore it is important for the survival of a newspaper to catch up with trends and retain contemporaneity. This demands that a daily paper frequently updates its appearance and sometimes even redesign the whole newspaper. Folkbladet, a newspaper in Norrköping, is currently in need of a new layout. The employees often deviate from the graphic guidelines that exist at the company today, due to that it doesn’t feel contemporary, but also because they don’t appreciate the appearance as it is today. This thesis is based on a study of the layout of Folkbladet and analyse: which tools can be used to create a distinct identity regarding layout, which tools you can use to create a clear structure and readability in a newspaper, and how Folkbladet can make use of these tools. To find out about the company’s situation today and their identity, interviews have been made with employees. An analysis of how the content are presented in the newspaper has also been made, with the purpose to investigate how it is perceived today, and to se which improvements that are needed. The interviews and the analysis constitute the foundation of the new design concept and the new guidelines. The result became a newspaper with a more distinct sectioning, with a new colour palette, and new and limited amount of typefaces, that better reflects Folkbladet’s vision. The new layout is also designed to make an airy feeling. Together these aspects contribute to a livelier and more distinguishing paper, “the newspaper shall dance”. You can create a clear and distinct identity with a consistent use of different design element, like colour, typefaces, and reoccurring shapes. It is important to be aware of your concept and what the brand stands for, so that the graphic layout will convey the same feeling. By focusing on the vision of Folkbladet, to be more sharp and cocky, this will contribute to a more distinct identity. This could be enhanced by typeface, colour and shape. A clear layout with good readability can be achieved through a logical sectioning, which are designed in a uniformed way. Readability can be improved with well-selected typefaces, adjusted length of lines and sizes. Together, all these aspects contribute to the new layout for Folkbladet.