Beyond Breaking News : Designing Mobile-News Experience for Gen Z and Millennials

Abstract: In an era dominated by digital media, this research investigates the shifting landscape of news consumption among Gen Z, the first "digital natives," and Millennials, often referred to as "digital immigrants." The study explored their unique relationships with the digital world and their distinct motivations for engaging with news, focusing on mobile platforms. Generational differences in news consumption motivations emerged as a pivotal factor, with younger individuals seeking causes, personal growth, and self-actualization through the information they consumed, while older generations leaned toward traditional news sources and institutional politics. The advent of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, further accentuated the generational gap, with Gen Z and Millennials primarily using smartphones to access news via social media platforms. Their news consumption was characterised by intermittent and serendipitous engagement, emphasising the need for visually engaging news formats and easily digestible content. The study culminated in the design of the Tidings app’s key features, including Tidings Home, Category Feeds, and Newsboard, tailored to meet the evolving needs and preferences of these generational cohorts in mobile news consumption. Design solutions aimed to streamline news consumption, simplify daily routines, and keep users informed without overwhelming them. Valuable feedback from a design critique session in regards to news values, news delivery and presentation and user agency validated these proposed design solutions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how generational disparities influence news consumption habits and attitudes, particularly in the context of mobile news experiences. As the digital media landscape continues to evolve, comprehending the unique preferences of Gen Z and Millennials is indispensable for news organisations seeking effective audience engagement. The application with its user-centric design approach, is well-positioned to address the distinctive needs of these generations in the dynamic world of news consumption.