Comments on: Y Combinator Challenge #2 – Simplified Browsing http://astartupaday.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/ Each day I'll post an idea for a new Web 2.0 startup Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:13:45 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: astartupaday http://astartupaday.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3392 astartupaday Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:21:10 +0000 http://astartupaday.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3392 Thanks Mark - I'm still on the fence with the blind text input. You make a good point around needing very straightforward visual cues for novice users. The basic premise is actually a take on Mitch Kapor's "Chandler" project, where a user could input freeform text and then "stamp" it as an Email, calendar event, task, etc.. I have a sense there's something to that concept, just not sure what the secret sauce is to have it catch on as a mainstream interface. Thanks Mark – I’m still on the fence with the blind text input. You make a good point around needing very straightforward visual cues for novice users. The basic premise is actually a take on Mitch Kapor’s “Chandler” project, where a user could input freeform text and then “stamp” it as an Email, calendar event, task, etc.. I have a sense there’s something to that concept, just not sure what the secret sauce is to have it catch on as a mainstream interface.

]]> By: Mark Graybill http://astartupaday.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3391 Mark Graybill Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:27:05 +0000 http://astartupaday.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3391 Good write-up. I think the TV paradigm is the way to go. Cable-box complexity is probably within bounds. The stream could be presented on an analog to the program schedule channel. As to text input being blind on the first keystroke (no box visible), I think you're off base there. Older, less computer literate users don't trust any sort of blind input or auto-popup interfaces. They want to see the computer sitting there telling them it's ready for their input. I agree with your reasons for not having to call up an input interface. But some visual cue showing the machine is ready and waiting is necessary for this class of users, IME. Good write-up.

I think the TV paradigm is the way to go. Cable-box complexity is probably within bounds. The stream could be presented on an analog to the program schedule channel.

As to text input being blind on the first keystroke (no box visible), I think you’re off base there. Older, less computer literate users don’t trust any sort of blind input or auto-popup interfaces. They want to see the computer sitting there telling them it’s ready for their input.
I agree with your reasons for not having to call up an input interface. But some visual cue showing the machine is ready and waiting is necessary for this class of users, IME.

]]> By: astartupaday http://astartupaday.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3390 astartupaday Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:15:45 +0000 http://astartupaday.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3390 Deyan - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lazy Deyan – http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lazy

]]> By: Deyan http://astartupaday.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3389 Deyan Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:44:32 +0000 http://astartupaday.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/y-combinator-challenge-2-simplified-browsing/#comment-3389 Why not just draw a mockup? Why not just draw a mockup?

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