everything hinges on good design

I just learned about a new site called Mahalo.  I love Hawaii, and I like this concept.  I especially like that they are saying in essence “hey you big technology companies — we can do it better…vertically, and all with a human touch!”  I appreciate the little guy that says to Google, “oh yeah?”  Because isn’t that what Google said to Microsoft about 7 years ago?  Go Mahalo go!   I also appreciate that they bring the human element and blend it with technology - a tricky balance!   Time will tell if they can pull it off!

I have been in the search space for several years and here is my 2 cents — pros and cons.

Pros:

• Great idea — with some real future traction.
• I like the clean site design and layout — although the leaves, well they feel like….oh, I’ll save it for one of the cons below.
• Nice visuals, easy to navigate.
• Intuitive functionality
• Feels warm and fuzzy knowing that their are really people behind these results.
• User generated content.  Yes, they do have that — all you can eat.
• New extra relevant vertical advertising possibilities!
• You really will get delivered to a page that really says what it is about!
• Sorry click-arbitrage folks.

Cons:

• Scalability — the internet deals in billions, people deal in…well, much less than billions.
• Cool factor wears off?  What about Ms Dewey  That was a cool site for a minute.
• You only have one chance with most users.  Especially in an instant gratification world.  “Give me what I want, or I am gone!”
• Overall site feels like an ad in a Martha Stewart Magazine.
• Who really decides what are good sites?
• I will miss the funny sites who miraculously beat the search algorithms!

Lets face it — it is all about relevance.  If the user finds what they are looking for, then they will say “Thank you” Or as they say in Hawaii “Mahalo” and they will be back for more!  I like the cost of travel to this site much better!!  Hopefully they can provide the genuine feeling of “Aloha” again and again.

Will I set it as a book mark?  Yes, I think I will.

I would love to hear what you all think.