Contact: Eric Easter, 703.469.2763 (eric.easter@wpni.com)

(For Immediate Release)

washingtonpost.com Launches New Home Page
Redesign Enhances User Experience, Expands Space for Content

Arlington, VA - February 15, 2005 - washingtonpost.com today announced the launch of a new version of the publication’s home page.

The redesign of the home page eliminates left navigation in favor of a top navigation style with roll-down menus. The adjustment allows for an uncluttered, user-friendly look and the ability to include more news and multimedia content.

Jim Brady, executive editor of washingtonpost.com, said "The new design gives us the flexibility to provide more information upfront in a cleaner, more streamlined interface."

The design change was in response to research that showed a strong preference for a single navigational tool. Testers in that study rated the site higher in ease of use, finding content and overall site quality when using top navigation only. Users were also more likely to view the full home page in the absence of left navigation.

Caroline Little, ceo and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive said, "Online publishing is an interactive relationship. Making the home page easier to navigate is part of our ongoing effort to be more responsive to the ways in which users manage the site."

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