Group Related News with Vertical Cards and Columns

Long-form pages and reports often include several related stories. When stacked as plain paragraphs or links, they can feel dense and repetitive. HarvardSites components like Vertical Cards and Columns allow you to present multiple stories in a structured, scannable way.
 

Why it matters

  • Scanability: Readers can quickly compare stories side by side.
  • Consistency: A uniform layout creates visual clarity across sections.
  • Engagement: Structured cards encourage deeper exploration.
columns and vertical cards in layout

How to do it

  • Choose a consistent card format.

    Use Vertical Cards when each story includes an image and excerpt.

    Keep image sizes and excerpt lengths consistent.

  • Group stories by theme.

    Use Section Headings to introduce each thematic group.

    Place two blocks of content side-by-side using Columns.

  • Limit the number of cards per section.

    Avoid overwhelming readers with too many items at once.

    Consider linking to a News archive for additional stories.

Accessibility tip

  • Ensure each card has meaningful link text.
  • Include alt text for images inside cards.
  • Avoid using layout alone to communicate relationships. Use headings and descriptive labels.