Watson: Not reckoned with computer users

Just a few days ago, the new Swiss news portal Watson.ch went online (Werbewoche.ch reported). What most visitors noticed: The images are conspicuously large on computer screens. The explanation is obvious: The Responsive Design is primarily designed for mobile devices. What looks a bit hard to get used to on the desktop monitor and sometimes even looks confusing, unfolds its strengths on the tablet or smartphone. Watson founder Hansi Voigt confirms this to the newspaper Schweiz am Sonntag. The site is designed for laptops and smartphones, he said, adding that he hadn't expected so many people to access Watson on their computers. Although the design would remain the same in principle, smaller elements would be added to aid navigation in the future.

The fact that Watson is so often visited via computer is not least due to the fact that no apps have been offered so far. Deliberately, as Voigt says. First of all, the company wants to achieve a certain level of awareness so that it will be as high up as possible in the top lists of the stores when the app is launched in February.

Voigt also holds out the prospect of new advertising options. Up to now, only classic banners can be seen on Watson.ch. In the future, advertisers will be able to present themselves on the portal as "enablers" rather than "obstructors. In concrete terms, this means that individual stories can be sponsored, for example. Voigt, however, wants to do without hidden PR. (SaS/hae)

Teaser image: Keystone