So this week the CBS purchase of CNET Networks closed and I am now an employee of CBS Interactive. Every company focused on growth as we are, is concerned with maintaining and expanding on the group of people that make that growth possible. Internships are a key method in finding passionate new players to the workforce – as well as an opportunity to give these folks the chance to show and fine tune their skill set in a professional environment.
With the above goal in mind, I was happy to skin a new blog to foster communication among our 2008 summer interns. This will be a public blog to share experiences both light hearted as well as serious. However, equally important – will be a showcase of our culture and a community display of our talented teams. The desired result being to inspire future passionate media professionals to want to grow their skills with us, learn and continue to make impact on the many sites that make up CBS Interactive.
I did not have much to go on as I am not as familiar with the CBS Interactive brand standards as I am with that of CNET Networks. However the name “New Media Minded” is actually quite telling. One of the most exciting aspects of a contemporary online media company, is that much of what we do can be on the bleeding edge of what is possible.
That said – I wanted to create a shell that portrays itself to our young audience with a welcoming, optimistic and forward thinking attitude. The wrapper picks up on some of the CBS Interactive blues – but also rely on lighting and perspective to display the aspirational mood of the “New Media Minded” theme. The title centers from a burst of energy who’s source stems from CBS Interactive as a base. The content is a fairly standard narrow 2 column blog grid on a light background to allow for maximum legibility of ideas and images. However, simple blues greens and purple tones are intended to compliment the wrapper yet appear lighter and more playful in nature.
The ever prolific Andrew Mager (seen in the mock-up with CBS CEO Les Moonves) intends to build out this theme in the coming days. So stay tuned for more to come – I for one am excited for a “New Media Minded” experience at the new CBS Interactive!
I am an avid student and evangelist of user-centered design principles - I have created or overhauled some of the world's largest online Business & Technology properties. My focus has always been on building functional design systems that creatively solve business problems. Solutions that convey brand & messaging, but more importantly, are intuitive to maximize the possibilities of an interactive medium. 
