From Rigidity to Exuberance: Evolution of News on Online Newspaper Homepages

This study explores the visual and structural evolution of Spanish online newspaper homepages over the past 25 years (1996–2020). Employing a longitudinal design analysis of five major outlets (elpais.com, elmundo.es, abc.es, lavanguardia.com, elperiodico.com), the article traces the transformation from static digital replicas of print editions to dynamic, mobile-first, multimedia platforms. Through content analysis and in-depth interviews with editors, the findings reveal a clear shift towards responsive design, increased image-text balance, and saturation of vertical front pages. Online newspapers now prioritise accessibility, platform versatility, and real-time news flow, although often at the cost of distinctive journalistic design. The study highlights the influence of mobile devices, user habits, and SEO strategies in shaping homepage architecture. While users increasingly access news through search engines and social media, front pages remain central for content discovery. This research contributes to understanding how digital interface design mediates journalistic visibility and information consumption, offering insights into future trends such as augmented reality, non-linear narratives, and subscription-based loyalty models.