New York Times launches collaborative testing website

A website launched by the New York Times is to share details on projects currently in development at NYTimes.com, to enable users to test and feedback on the proposals.

According to a press release, beta620 will enable its online community to join in the testing of experimental products, such as apps and interactive features.

Registered users can also log in to comment on projects and offer feedback.

"For several years, the New York Times has hosted internal challenges and external events designed to foster innovation and idea-sharing within the Times across the developer community," Denise Warren, general manager of NYTimes.com said in a release.

"Beta620 gives a permanent home to that tradition of innovation, and it invites our loyal community of users to join in the discussion, as we test and learn to create leading-edge products that will elevate the user experience on NYTimes.com."

According to the Times, users can also use a "suggestions tab" to submit proposals and collaborate on new ideas.

Projects already shared on the site include TimesInstant, an instant search function, Community Hub, a dashboard of social activity each day and Longitude, an interactive map of the day's news.

According to Ad Age the site was originally due to be introduced in July or August last year, but was delayed by the introduction of its digital subscriptions model.

Journalism.co.uk's next digital journalism conference news:rewired - connected journalism will look at new opportunities for collaboration and integration in journalism.

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