Change is good
By Gary Forger -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/2005
Yes, it is. Especially if you're referring to Modern's new design - both print and on the Web.
Some months ago, I sat down with our creative director, Norm Graf, and we agreed it was time for a new look. So Norm reviewed well over a hundred different type styles for our logo and all the other uses of type in the magazine.
Meanwhile, we talked about what exactly should a redesign accomplish. Neither of us was interested in just slapping new type on the pages. There had to be more to it.
In a nutshell, Modern's new look is more visual with stronger, brighter graphics that pull you, the reader, into the stories and make you want to see what the story is all about. Just take a look at the cover story on Green Mountain Coffee (Joltin' Java DC). Do the same with our Productivity Achievement Award winners (Productivity Achievement Awards), and all the other features, for that matter. You'll see what I mean.
Certainly, you will notice our continued in-depth coverage of materials handling in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. But we also spiced it up with shorter pieces, too.
Check out the last page of the magazine. Each month it will be an interview piece with one of your peers. And just like the headline says, it will take only 60 seconds to read. We've also added a monthly Productivity Solution, a 1-page story on how another of your peers solved a materials handling problem (We're all about flexibility). And in the front of the magazine, you'll see a 1-page story about materials handling information you can find online (Materials Handling Online).
You're also going to see more links between what's in print and what's on the redesigned mmh.com. Fire up your browser and you'll see how much we've changed the Web site. Not only does it have a new look and feel with bolder graphics and new type, but we've reconfigured how information is presented. Special kudos here go to senior Web manager Pamela Campbell, senior art director Ilya Rivkin and director of e-business development Steve Mills.
Across the top nav bar, you can find information by the various mediums that we deliver it—from the current print issue to directories, supplements, e-newsletters and online events. Then we enhanced our product channels, adding new ones and reconfiguring others. And under Tools and Resources, we've got everything from archives and industry events to new entries such as an RFP Center and a special section for Reader Services.
After you read this issue and visit us online, e-mail me (gforger@reedbusiness.com) and let me know what you think. I look forward to your comments.
Modern's Productivity Achievement Awards
12/31/2008Andel on Handling: You're an enabler
12/31/2008Productivity Achievement Awards
02/28/2006A new look
02/28/1998
View All On-Demand Webcasts
