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Comment by ConradHex | Hacker News Reader

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ConradHex·

I don't think it ignores usability at all; it seems very focused on it.

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Breaking expected flows makes things harder to understand. I needed to think to use that form.

Some changes over time can improve clarity, but the initial friction is costly.

That fact that you had to think makes it memorable. If a website does the same thing like everyone else, then it will be forgotten like everyone else.

Forgetting the signup form is just fine. Remembering the content or the activity on a site is more important.

Not true. I've forgotten what the site was already, and it's been less than 15 seconds since I last saw it.

I think its a great idea for complex forms gathering in-depth data.

Also you have to read 2 or 3 times as many words just to figure out what goes where. And I can't see what is broken about the way most places organize signup forms now.

I think that, for the sake of memorability, I'd pick an approach like Vimeo's to something like this.

http://vimeo.com/log_in

Although I like the way the original site is straightforward (usability for those new to the web), vimeo does a killer job at integrating their login form into the site design...it actually looks like it's supposed to be there, as opposed to most log-in forms that just look slapped on.

I really don't want to rain on anybodies parade, and I'd really like to like the design just because it's different and original. But unfortunately, I don't think it's a step up in terms of usability.

Ignoring stuff that others have already pointed out, there's no way to know which fields are required before you submit. Not a big thing in the grand scheme. But it's kind of a no-brainer, always recommended usability thing.

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