Conventions of a Contents Page

This happens to be the contents page for a music magazine, but before I start I want to clarify that at this point in time my focus is to outline the conventions, rather than do a complete deconstruction. 

1. Firstly, the logo of the magazine is present again on the contents page as well as the front cover, which reinforces the sense of ownership and control over this particular product. It establishes continuity.
   
2. A distinguishable feature is the columned structure. This makes it easier for the audience to read because there are less words per line. In addition, the ascending layout creates flow between the individual sections of information because by moving down the page you feel directed as to which part to read next, thus creating chronology.
   
3. Within the contents page the content itself is often divided into specific subgroups. In the example above, we can see the contents has headings such as 'News', 'Reviews' and 'Features' which helps to further categorise what you are reading and make it easier to focus on a specific section.
   
4. The date and issue number are also normally present in smaller print in the top corner of the page as an act of formality and consistency in time.
   
5. Since there is lots of summarised information distributed across the page, using a plain background helps to simplify it. This way it doesn't overload the page and confuse those reading it. Although it doesn't have to be white, an unexciting shade is preferable to something vibrant and imposing.
   
6. The colour in general is an essential feature. There should only be a select few in order to avoid overwhelming the reader.
   
7. Almost always, there is an image highlighting the main article inside. This will be large and instantly identifiable through a caption and page number, linking it to the content further inside the magazine. The caption to the central image will generally use more text than the other captions on the page to emphasise importance. Other pictures may be used but they will not be as large.
   
8. When referring to the articles themselves, there is normally a page number highlighted in a different colour to the text, as well as a heading and a small caption summarising what the reader can expect to find. 

Overall, contents pages tend to be very structured with an emphasis on the information rather than the creative design. I hope to incorporate this effective simplicity in my own product.