Blurrypeople.com - strangers you might actually like
blurrypeople.com
blurrypeople.com
1. You have to change your tagline. I had no idea going into the site what it was, though it can be summarized as "ChatRoulette, only it works" (or something along those lines). By now, everyone knows chatroulette, and you're missing a huge opportunity to get what your site does across. I'd even consider changing the name, something like blurryroulette or blurrychat or something, since this is a very memorable and easily described idea.
2. Someone else mentioned, don't ask for access to video/mic right away. Especially now, make the intro video more obvious/accessible.
3. Have some text explaining what the site does for people who don't want a video. Again, you have a really easy-to-understand concept - take advantage of it!
4. This is just a guess, but I think this kind of formula would work especially well for dating - this will definitely let people connect without letting looks bother them, at least at first. And by the time you've talked several minutes, you'd already have some kind of connection. This is just crazy enough to work - so start thinking how you can take advantage. For example, connecting people by location is a real easy addition to your site, which facilitates connecting people for dating.
We'll think some more about how we can communicate the concept better. Furthermore, we might have to delay the request for mic/camera access as it could scare people away (other have pointed this out as well).
I'm not too fond of changing the tagline to something referencing chatroulette, we're kinda hoping people will not directly associate our site with nude guys ;) But rethinking the tagline might be wise still.
Also, I think you're correct in pointing out a non-video way of getting the site explained is necessary. Perhaps just in words, or otherwise using graphics/drawings etc.
And indeed, we figured this will probably be used for dating-purposes a lot; so we'll try to make sure that is possible on BP.
Once more, thanks for your feedback!
Please do this. I am quite positive that I denied access the first time, but it still displayed the video feed for some reason. That's not important, but you feel monitored when that happens, and if people are having a "bad hair day", the change in mood is associated with the site.
On the other hand the tagline I wouldn't mind changing, since it's unrelated to the name. Then again it's more related to the purpose of the site.
So here is our approach to something that will, hopefully, work better:
- it has a feedback system that allows you to indicate why you don't like someone (too old, too male, too boring etc)
- video starts out blurry, and becomes sharper with time (hence the name! ;))
- you can 'like' people, allowing the other to see when you're online and request to connect with you
Could this work? Comments, suggestions?
This is a fantastic idea. However, it'd be better if that fact were known from the start.
But the design.. it needs some work. For one thing, the flash webcam popup before I've even read the heading, as has been pointed out, appears much too early. Also have some humble doubts about this kind of dark design attracting many girls.
I like the idea a lot, agree on most previous points about the presentation though!
I understand that this is based on a Dutch concept, but I don't see the too fe/male evaluation working very well. Obviously, it's just beta, and new tags will show up as others disappear.
EDIT: Just to clarify I think BOTH versions should exist, and within the same framework so that filtering applies universally (people could choose if they are interested in text/video/both). Especially since I Omegle at work, webcam only is a no-go for me.
You just have to find the right nitch to go after. Is it online dating (listen to the mixergy match.com interview - their key was gaining women's trust)? Do people want to talk face to face before going out on a date? Could it be founders looking for founders? I don't know. But what I do know is that you should find a segment that could benefit from this the most and go after them. Who's pain is the biggest in this area?
I tend to disagree. I liked the design aspect of not having these. The video fits into the same style as I presume I'll get when using the service (I don't have a webcam handy right now).
Do you actually need play/pause and volume controls while watching the intro video? Would you actually use them, or is it just that it doesn't match your expectation of what an intro video should be, rather than a functional deficiency?
1. The volume was too high. I wanted to mute the video first before adjusting my system's volume. 2. I wanted to pause, check out the features mentioned in the video for a while and then resume the video.
So I did need the controls. They can appear only on mouse over so that the feel of a live demo still remains.
<insert obligatory flash on iPad complaining>
I think that the approach is great given the fact that so many people go to chatroulette and end up looking at pervs. The filtering system can definitely give you the edge.
One thing I did not like was that upon visiting it immediately asked me to share my camera and mic. Perhaps a better front page with a lot more explanation (graphics can help) that would lead you to the 'chat' screen?
I can see the simplicity and I am up for it but a lot of people will think twice to click accept (for camera and mic) if this is the first thing that they are asked to do on a website.
Good luck!
Anyway, thanks a lot for your advice!
Just a thought.
I'd start out with two options, a "Tell me more" button and an "I'm ready to get started" button.
- basic explanatory text highlighting the benefits in bullet points
- a picture of a blurred face and the same revealed face (probably rotated pretty girls in a non-"adult" context)
- a big green "chat now free" button and smaller "watch our introductory video" and "create an account" links
my prediction is your bounce rate will drop significantly and number of people chatting will go up.