Condé Nast Digital Editions
The development of a visual language that captures the distinctive style of Condé Nast publications
Objective
Mag Apps is an internal Condé Nast initiative designed to create responsive HTML editions for all its titles. Instead of developing bespoke apps for each brand, the goal was to build a flexible, adaptable framework that could serve them all.
At its core, Mag Apps is a powerful toolset that enables brands to seamlessly transform structured data from print editions into responsive digital experiences across multiple devices and platforms.
Process
The Wired and Vogue production teams previously used Adobe InDesign for digital editions, a process that was inefficient, platform-limited, and produced large, non-responsive files. To streamline workflows, we developed a shared, flexible framework adaptable across all platforms and devices, eliminating the need for bespoke apps for each brand.
Visual Language
With Wired and Vogue renowned for their long-form journalism and striking photography, my role was to develop a range of typography and image styles that empowered publishers to craft immersive layouts.
For both brands, we created:
- 55 copy styles, 15 image styles, and 10 opening cards,
- Additional variables based on sections and categories for greater flexibility.
Preserving their distinctive print aesthetics in a digital format was a complex challenge. Directly transferring print styles to digital risked compromising both functionality and readability, so we had to reimagine layouts for a seamless user experience.
Working closely with each brand’s creative team, we developed a visual language that stayed true to their identity while ensuring optimal usability across devices. Our approach not only enhanced the digital experience but also streamlined the publishing workflow for effortless content creation.
Opening Card
The opening screen, known as a Large Card, provides readers with an immediate sense of the article’s tone and style. As the most experimental part of the layout, it allows brands to showcase their distinct identity.
To give editors the flexibility needed to align digital layouts with print design, we developed 10 Large Card variations. Each card includes an image, title, intro, and byline, along with additional customization options based on section, category, color, and focus area, ensuring a dynamic and versatile presentation.
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