SearchMe and Visual Hunting

I cover a lot of next gen search stuff here, and virtually every time I do I get emails saying that there is a similar solution founded 12 minutes before the provider I highlight with similar attributes.

So let’s start by saying that search offerings are OF COURSE similar, but that the successful ones are going to add a simple and intuitive layer on top of basic search functionality – one that has telegraphic uiser appeal.

SearchMe certainly meets those criteria. It is based upon the simple premise that seeing a thumbnail of the pages in the results will help users more quickly and easily find the content they want. Here’s a screen:



It’s that freakin’ simple. Here’s how they describe themselves:

Searchme lets you see what you’re searching for. As you start typing, categories appear that relate to your query. Choose a category, and you’ll see pictures of web pages that answer your search. You can review these pages quickly to find just the information you’re looking for, before you click through.

Hey, I like shiny bells and whistles as much as the next person, but sometimes simple is best. Regular people have no interest in spending an hour learning how to use a new search tool. With SearchMe, the learning curve is a straight line.

As you can see, rolling over a result makes a small version of the page appear in the top of the results page, in a sort of iPod like interface. It is enormously helpful. Want to snag a picture? Then go to a page where the thumbnail shows pictures. Etc.

With all the search start ups out there, the battle for supremacy is going to be mighty tough – and indeed supremacy may not be an appropriate goal for the future goven that other areas of the web have totally fragmented. Who’s to say search won’t go that way at all. But however the market evolves, SearchMe has one big advantage going for it: useful simplicity.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to write.