Election 2016

Defining the UX and design of CNN Digital's 2016 Election results experience.

A bold visual language built for a historic election.

A distinctive visual language

The experience utilized a streamlined color palette and award-winning photography to give CNN's coverage a fresh and unique feel.

Designed mobile-first for fast, at-a-glance results.

Optimized for small screens

Modules were designed for easy consumption on mobile devices, with ample clarity and tapability.

Color as the primary signal for real-time race results.

Visualizing race results using color

Results modules were designed to change color as races were called, giving users a strong visual indicator of which party won each race.

A homepage built for the biggest night in American politics.

A dramatic and impactful homepage

On CNN.com, a dark theme was utilized to provide dramatic impact and to elegantly pair results modules with streaming live video.

Data visualization at a scale CNN had never attempted before.

New approaches to data

Initial explorations included data dashboards and new ways to visualize race results, like filterable state snapshots, live results tickers, and pairing editorial headlines with race data in real-time.

  • User experience and visual design: Mark Barilla, Daniela Dewendt, Arnel Hasanovic