We've made some changes. (Have you Heard?).

In 1933 an electrical draftsman named Harry Beck designed a new map for the London Underground. He simplified the twists of color that represented the subway lines and gave the public a map that, 70 years later, is still an easy-to-read, sensible, appealing presentation of how to get from here to there. CONSUMER REPORTS' new look is a similar marriage of form and function. Providing accurate, readable, and concise information has always been our goal. We've been asking ourselves--and you, our readers--how we could do even better. This issue introduces new departments, adds features to familiar sections, and gives you a whole new way to make your life easier. A few highlights:

Something old. You will see shades of the retired Front Lines in our new Up Front section (page 6). The expanded section includes our take on products just hitting the shelves, and offers safety and buying tips plus Claim Check, on whether manufacturers live up (or down) to their product claims.

Something new. As always, you can rely on our Ratings to reflect thorough, exacting tests of the products and services you use most. But now we've made our test findings easier to absorb: Take a look at Refrigerators: Expanding Options" on page 46. The First Things First box helps you quickly find information on the type of fridge you need. And since we know many of you want to go straight to the bottom line, we give you CR Quick Recommendations (pictured behind me), a rundown of our findings, and Quick Picks, the best models for most people--plus ...