SamePoint.com - An Actual Conversational Search Engine
SamePoint.com is a conversational search engine that connects and tracks the same conversation from multiple sources. Essentially the application indexes social media sites like blogs, lifecasting applications, and social gathering sites to find conversations that connect them all together.
While the concept and functionality of this site are truly unique and provides a lot of promise, I have to say the execution and design needs a lot of work. However, if you’re looking for an actual conversation engine and not just another forum search, give this one a look.
Genius, yet Confusing Results
Now, before I talk about the design of the site, I’m going to talk about the actual functionality and search results.
The first thing that strikes you, is that the search results are actually split into multiple search results. Confused? Yeah… I was too. But, once I actually started to use the application and play around a little, I started to realize that the approach is rather genius.
As I mentioned above, the search is actually broken down into multiple sources talking about the same topic.
Using “Barack Obama” as a test query (simply because there is a lot of talk around him lately), the first group of results is “The Republican National Convention” + “Barack Obama”. For this group, SamePoint found 10 different comments from 3 different sources around the same subject.
The site then allows you to page through each set to see the different results and provides you with information about where it was from, who made it, and also allows you to search within a specific source.
Confusing… yes. Genius… definitely.
Design
Now, I normally try not to go into a rant about a site, but from time-to-time, it’s required… this is one of those times.
If the site has or does get some funding or investors… the first thing they should do is HIRE A DESIGNER. (or at least a good one)
To start, the logo. Besides the very unappealing colors… what is with the weird icons in the name? One looks like a refresh or reload icon, the other is an upside down exclamation point???? Word of advice, if it’s not needed or doesn’t have a reason to be there… don’t put it there.
Second, the interface itself. Again, I have to mention the unappealing color combination of what looks like Crimson and Gold - which might look good as a University Color scheme - but does not work in a web interface.
Aside from the colors, SamePoint could cut down on some of the clutter. It’s a very complicated concept they’re working with and it only complicates things by trying to put everything on one page. Half of the links and features on the search results page could be eliminated and it would be a much more effective user interface.
Conclusion
If you can get through the clutter, the ugly colors, and the confusing interface, this site has a lot of potential. It provides a unique solution to an emerging market… just please PLEASE hire a designer.
Via: AltSearchEngines.com
September 7th, 2008 at 12:37 am
You really must have some influence. I just went to samepoint.com and looks like that took your advice. These guys must move fast. The concept is solid. I am tech buff and the “google chrome” results were nice. Take a look again an see if you notice a change.
September 7th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Thanks for the heads up MC!
I visited samepoint.com and there are some good design changes afoot!
Looks like they simplified the search results, removed some of the clutter and changed the colors.
Much easier to read.
Anyone else visiting, you can see some of the changes they’ve made to the site using the screenshot above and comparing it to the site.
Keep it up samepoint! This is one site I’d like to see succeed.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Troy - thank you for your feedback. We knew we had some design issues and your review confirmed what we already knew. We feel we are onto something new and exciting in terms of tracking conversations and hope you visit often to see new features incorporated, while still providing a simple, clean presentation layer.