Forbes experiments with Snapchat-like format

Forbes has been experimenting with digital “cards,” which are highly visual, mobile-centric content templates designed for people to flip through using their thumbs on their phones — much the way people tap and swipe through Snapchat Stories — reports Mike Shields of The Wall Street Journal.

Shields writes, “Forbes has been testing the card treatment — which often includes a mix of graphics, animation and text that are all designed to be touch-screen friendly — for several of the magazine’s special content packages such as the recent Forbes 400 list.

“Going forward, Forbes Chief Product Officer Lewis DVorkin wants to encourage his company’s journalists to use the card treatment far more often and is initiating training across the newsroom. The idea is to help editors and reporters break free of producing 800-word articles and instead think about mobile and visual first.

“To that end, Forbes is building a new custom content management system and is also set to release a new ‘progressive web app’ designed to embrace the emerging norms of mobile content consumption.

“According to Mr. DVorkin, the new app, which should go live by the second quarter of next year, is meant to marry the streamlined content delivery typical of mobile apps, without requiring people to download a stand-alone app or do any customization.”

Read more here.