From the looks of it, there’s a new web application about to hit the Internet that uses emerging technologies like XHTMLHttprequest (better known as Asynchronous JavaScript and XML or AJAX) into something that one could only hope be a sweet service.
Seeing as though this is a project stemming from the mind of usability and AJAX guru Adam Michela, I’d be surprised if it isn’t the next best thing for travel and communication.
For the moment there’s only a teaser splash page with the typical, dangling the carrot sign-up form. Is it just me or does this make you salivate for the service even more? In the past I’ve been drawn in from other web app teasers, mostly those by the 37signals guys, but this splash page is different (it might be the brilliant and semi-cuddly use of clouds in the logo).
For one, it’s using AJAX and the FAT (Fade Anything Technique) in a subtle manner. It’s instant feedback, draws your eye and assures you that something occured - a much better verification technique than just your typical “Email received. Thanks.” message that follows most forms after they’ve been submitted. I might even consider snatching it up for use on the Sideville splash page. Which by the way, just where did the term “splash page” come from?
At any rate, I’m curious to see the end result and know for sure that the next time I’m planning a trip, I’ll keep Sixtyspots in mind to make sure the hotel I reserved is legit and isn’t secretly a sweatshop front for My Little Pony clothes wear — you just never know.
Maybe if you use that hotel, you can get a discount on some My Little Pony clothes for Zoe!
I like the color - looks a lot like 37 signals (at least from the preview image).
From what it looks, the site borrows more from 37s than just the colors…
I definitely sense a marketing trend here. Ask for emails for a limited time / get free beta users / create big expectation and fanfare… get the picture? Worked for Gmail, Flickr, Odeo and many others…
Thanks for the link, Erik!
Glad ya’ll like my tried and true blue, green, and pink pastels that I use everywhere as well. :)
I have an itch for developing something that uses AJAX. I’m very impressed with the stuff you can do with it.
I’m a sucker for pastel colored websites. Not sure why, but I love the soothing feel to it.
As for Sixtyspots, I’m looking forward to it. Adam, if I could make a suggestion, in the sign-in box, it’s not clear that you’re supposed to input your email, and the button labelled Fly Away may be confusing for some. If this site is going to cater to the mainstream, little things like that could be confusing to non-web designers. Maybe have it say put your email in the box below, instead of on the list (what list? can’t find any list.)
Matt, thanks alot for the compliments and good tips.
I made some changes to the form that should make it a little bit clearer as to what the purpose of the splash page is. I realized the same as you after noticing a whole bunch of people had tried to type in actual destinations rather than their e-mail addresses. Perhaps I got a little carried away with the theme? ;)
A
You asked: “just where did the term “splash page” come from?”
en.wikiped...
Also, Flash used to be called Future Splash. Perhaps there’s a connection there…?
Peter: Not a chance. Now if it was a He-Man storefront sweatshop that would be an entirely different situation, of which I might consider.
Donnie: The pastel theme is in, that’s for sure. Makes me think of Easter so it can’t be a bad thing.
Beto: It’s a successful trend and it’s not uncommon for other groups to emulate or copy others marketing success. Also, like I said, it makes me yearn for it even moreso.
Adam: No problem man, it looked intriguing.
Johan: Cool man, can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’ve got a few ideas swimming around in my head, so we’ll see.
Matt:
Same here, as I mentioned, makes me think of Easter. By the way, those are some great suggestions, I could see someone mistakenly thinking that they could find information on a location, even though the service itself it’s functional, as of yet.
Stefan: Hah, next time I should just ask the Great Wiki-gonzo.