Stuff, the gadgets and technology monthly, is aiming for more
lifestyle content and reader involvement during 2002.
The Haymarket title will remain focused on consumer electronics, which
makes up 70 per cent of its content, said deputy editor Tom Dunmore. But
there will be increased concentration on unfamiliar areas such as
sportswear, he confirmed.
Although not attempting to emulate lifestyle titles such as FHM, the
magazine will 'get involved in the lifestyle side of technology'.
Dunmore added: 'It will be a more experiential approach: looking at how
readers relate to (technology), encouraging more interaction with
readers. People will take things out for a week and then give their
views.'
There will also be long-term tests - taking place for around six months
- for the first time.
The first is on the hard disk TV recorder, TiVo. Dunmore said that
readers needed to see some products more than once in the magazine.
'There are technologies people don't quite understand, like TiVo. It
takes some time even for us to work out how these things work and how
they will affect your life. We will create "hero" products that we come
back to again and again. For example, how is MP3 going to affect the way
you consume music?' said Dunmore.
Features are decided by Dunmore, editor Simon Clays and commissioning
editor Rob Waugh. 'It has to be stuff people can go out and buy in the
high street rather than some prototype created in Japan. But the line
between a test and a feature will be very much blurring,' Dunmore
added.
Existing section The Knowledge will include reviews of games, CDs, DVDs
and PC applications.
The redesign issue, out on 5 December, will also feature a revamped
Buyers Guide.
