Futures Lab #195: A Homepage Designed by Algorithm

The Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet developed an algorithm guided partially by editors and partially by reader preferences that delivers a personalized homepage for each website visitor. Editor in chief Fredric Karén credits the technology with a significant boost in online traffic and digital subscriptions.

Reporting by Lily Oppenheimer, Rachel Wise and Jessica King.

• Meet the Swedish newspaper editor who put an algorithm in charge of his homepage (Storybench)
• Svenska Dagbladet’s “pyramid model” increases digital revenue, readership (INMA)

The Reynolds Journalism Institute’s Futures Lab video update features a roundup of fresh ideas, techniques and developments to help spark innovation and change in newsrooms across all media platforms. Visit the RJI website for the full archive of Futures Lab videos, or download the iPad app to watch the show wherever you go. You can also sign up to receive email notification of each new episode.