Discussion

During my research, I was able to answer my hypothesis on what makes a magazine engaging. I discovered multiple factors contributing to a successful magazine, including the significance of editorial content, visual design, and understanding the target audience. My research allowed me to delve into both print and digital formats, seeing how they differ in engagement strategies. Interviews with industry professionals were particularly insightful, as they highlighted the importance of audience engagement. Additionally, my survey provided valuable feedback on what readers look for in a magazine.

While I did successfully answer my hypothesis, I was unable to fully address all of my sub-questions. Initially, I aimed to explore more technical aspects of magazine publishing, such as layout design and distribution strategies, but due to time constraints, I could not dive as deep as I would have liked. Additionally, the survey didn’t provide the in-depth results I expected, and I believe the questions could have been more focused on the specific issues I wanted to explore. This is a key learning point for me - next time, I would develop more specific survey questions that directly address my research sub-questions. By doing so, I would gather more focused and relevant data to better support my findings.

Looking ahead to my Final Major Project (FMP), I plan to focus more on answering the remaining sub-questions that I was unable to complete during this research. Specifically, I would like to explore the technical elements of magazine publishing, including how layout and design decisions impact audience engagement. I also want to investigate industry examples of successful magazines, particularly those related to fashion, to better understand their strategies. This will help inform my own magazine concept, allowing me to create something that not only resonates with my target audience but also stands out in an increasingly digital media landscape. Additionally, I plan to investigate the success of various genres of magazines and analyse the marketing strategies behind them. By doing this, I can identify trends and best practices, which will further enhance my understanding and inform my future magazine project.

Through this process, I have learned a great deal about the various aspects of magazine publishing and audience engagement. Although I didn’t answer every question I set out to, the research I conducted has given me a solid foundation to build on. I am confident that, with further investigation into the areas I didn’t cover, I will be able to improve my approach and develop a compelling, well-informed FMP.