Straight Up Site of Interest - Readable Search Results

Posted by keirsun on December 14, 2006 at 10:34 AM

It's time once again to pop the hood on our Straight Up Site of Interest. This (somewhat) monthly post focuses on forward-thinking internet technologies and the websites that drive them. Before you know it, you'll have another answer to this very important question: "How can I market my website?"

This month's topic: Readable Search Results

Straight Up Site of Interest: Big.com

In Their Own Words: "The most readable results on the web."

First Impression:

In a nutshell, Big.com is designed for people who would like to see their search results displayed in a larger font. Of course, it's simple enough to increase or decrease the text size in your web browser, but Big.com makes it easy for its users by serving up over-sized text. There's no need to make any browser tweaks.

I've used Big.com off and on for a year or two, mostly for fun, but never on a consistent basis. However, what always amazes me is the reaction I get when I show Big.com to a seasoned family member who uses the internet, or friends who have bad eyesight and aren't savvy with browser functions: "OK! That's exactly what I need!"

I'm sure Big.com is aware of its target market because the search engine's ease of use is remarkable. As you can see in the screenshot below, it takes one simple click to enlarge the text size even more. (Who doesn't want a search result as big as a fist?!) And with natural and paid results presented in two columns of equal size but with different background colors, everyone from the elderly to infants should be able to distinguish between the two.

Big.com's search results are powered by Ask.com, so in addition to usability, users get quality results. So if your target market includes seniors, retirees, or anyone with ocular issues, I recommend investigating how well your website positions in Ask for your target keywords. I'm betting that Big.com has already become an eye opener for many.

Don't forget to read October's Straight Up Site of Interest for Audio & Video File Usability.