AltSearchEngines has been introduced to an interesting new user interface for a product search engine. The concept begins with the belief that many product / shopping search engines are simply too dull to woo buyers away from more professional looking sites.
SlotSearchtm addresses that by using a slot machine overlay.
Here is how it works (no demo video is available yet – sorry.)
The user types their query into a search box at the top of the slot machine, e.g. iPod nano.
Using their mouse or down arrow, they pull the lever down and the machine starts to spin.
When the wheels stop, the SlotSearchtm algorithm has placed search results number 1 – 2 – 3 in the first three windows. The user can then click on one of the images, spin again, or refine their query.
But here’s the best part! After every 1,000 users, the red light on top of the slot machine lights up and coins rush down into the tray. The user has just won a $100 coupon at a pre-selected retailer!
Another excellent feature (see the red and yellow buttons?) allows the user to press “web” for online stores, or “local” for stores near their homes.
What do you think? Do you like the concept? What would you change? Do you want to fund it?
The developers prefer that all inquiries be sent to AltSearchEngines c/o Charles@AltSearchEngines.com.
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December 23rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Reminds me of the UrbanSpoon app for the iPhone: http://www.urbanspoon.com. People love UrbanSpoon. It’s very cool and a neat way to “discover” new restaurants. Perhaps that could apply to product search as well. Books and music seem like the best bet.
It wouldn’t be about comparing one album to another, but selecting some parameters and then being offered an album at random. With UrbanSpoon you put in the price range, type of food and neighborhood and it gives you a random selection. With this perhaps you could put in some indications as to the type of book, music or movie and it could randomly select one for you.
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Um, http://www.jackpotrewards.com – or is this different?
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I’m sorry, but that’s cringemakingly bad. It looks very cheap and tacky at best. If you’re going to do search, then do it, don’t make some sort of game out of it. Live is already trying to bribe people to use their system and that’s sad and bad enough. I’d really encourage further thought on the delivery of the concept.