thoughts/suggestions

[newblack]

this is a faceplate for searching real-estate listings. use your arrow keys to scroll around and drag the icons to expand the canvas. i'd like to hear what you think about usability, aesthetics and anything else that strikes you. this is due for my class today, so if you happen to have the time to enter in some dummy data (especially uptown since i didn't get as much entered in), that'd be so sweet i'd, um, and, uh yeah, well thanks. thanks in advance for checking it out!

http://newblackmedia.com/itp/dere/BETA

[Cota]

Usability....Way too complicated...took me a minute to figure out how to use it...most people will just close the site if they cant figure out how to use it.

[EvoMacDuck]

It's a very good idea imo, but I agree with the post above. It's too complicated. At least, in first glance.

Some suggestions:
- search field to filter the places in realtime
- the fonts are too small I think
- maybe make the active 'city' another color, to make it more clear which things belong to who
- some additional illustrations/graphic design would help

But very cool done! Impressive.

[Headshotz]

Needs to be a bit more user friendly, good though.

[newblack]

thanks for the comments.

[Flash Gordon]

I kind of like it, but the contrast are off. It is hard to see text and stuff.

Very original thinking :)

[theDude78]

I didn't have any trouble figuring out what to do, but I can see why they would say that it could be an issue

I like it, its different

[Headshotz]

I didn't have any trouble figuring out what to do

Remember, at the end of the day (or after 4 o clock) you are designing/developing something that will appeal to the average chum, not other flash developers (and smart people :p)

[newblack]

well- successfully implementing an atypical interface is difficult- of course i considered more straightforward options in presenting the user controls and examples: but ultimately in its abstraction (and perhaps obtuseness), i felt requiring the user to tinker with the application was far and away the best primer to its intended interaction.

i really appreciate the comments- i do have a few more specific questions if anyone is so inclined:

1. how does the bookmarking come across (double clicking an icon) ?
2. is adding a listing straightforward enough ?
3. how necessary are the 'fit' and 'highlighting' toggles ?

thanks again.