i d e a g r o u p

Viewzi Prototype Launches

We had planned on wrapping things up with the viewzi prototype last week, but after our review on Friday, Chris and I made the decision to keep brewing things another week, and completed it today.

The second (and final) stage of the prototype includes:

• new and improved primary user interface including “google-maps-style” dragging to move around
• new “view mix” view that includes “quick results” – search results right on the view mix page in addition to the view samples
• a new “dynamic view” that builds based on category or other keyword as needed (this is more related to prototyping and usability testing than something that will be needed or the live site)
• wikipedia data source added
• most importantly, a working version of the “view picker” that selects the best views based on the search string

We have started the process of building relationships with content providers. The first two that we are meeting with are AOL and CNET. We have had a few conference calls with CNET already and the group that runs the Gaming content sites as well as the Metacritic (film reviews) content site. The initial conversations went very well—very positive about Viewzi (“This is gorgeous!” was the quote from one contact at CNET).

This Monday we go to LA to meet with AOL to talk about licensing the Moviefone content (among other content items).

The next few weeks are all about three things: FUND RAISING, PLANNING and USABILITY TESTING. We are continuing to interview usability firms and usability freelancers. We will most likely work with two: one here in town to do informal testing about high-level concepts, and one specialist to do the more intricate details of web usability and navigation.

Users=Viewzers

As most of you know, I began working on a new search company called Viewzi a few months ago with a long time friend named Chris Mancini. Chris worked with me at Broadcast.com/Yahoo! almost a decade ago. I think one of the last projects we did together was the Jenny McCarthy fart game...a work of art it was not.

Things here are going along very well. We have enough money raised to get the prototype built and start getting feedback---while building the core team of smart people to go make it happen. More money still to raise, and a few more people to hire still, but overall, we feel very good about where things are and the direction it is going.

Go sign up here to get a slot in the beta...we would love your help.  Or, shoot me a note if you want to see an early version of the prototype.

The new office

Here are some shots of the new office. We moved Feb 1 from our old place on Commerce downtown, to this new one down in Deep Ellum. Enjoy.