Powerset – the best looking search engine

You must admit that design is not the first thing that a search engine start-up will consider first. It is OK, because frankly this is not the most important thing regarding a search engine. But – there is always a but, the latest trend in web development and related fields is rich user interface. Another item that Powerset added to the list was Wikipedia + Freebase (free information). Did I said Powerset? Well then Powerset it is.

First we heard about this new search engine a couple of years ago. Everyone was excited and called it the next big thing … or something like that. Then it came with some delays but in the end the final product was very nice. I’ve made some tests in the beta version, which was very different, and I must admit that the live version is one UI/UX masterpiece.

Ready. Powerset. Go!
The starting page is quite unique, easy to remember and with good branding embedded. The graphics are well placed on the page and combined they make a good user interface. Regarding the user experience, I must say Kudos for the developers. This is a search engine where Javascript is used with moderation and in the user’s interest.

The fact that it searches only on Freebase and Wikipedia is not a bad thing. Because these two sites are the best open knowledge sources available. Maybe not so accurate but still they provide us with good information. It is clear that the search engine is still young and needs improvements but it is also clear that it has a solid foundation and approach.

Microsoft also saw the value in this product. A couple of months ago they offered $100 mil for the company but they are still free. And honestly we need them free. Competition drives innovation and innovation drives funds and revenue.

User Interface ★★★★★
User Experience ★★★★½
Design ★★★★½
——————–
Graphic ★★★★½

Andy Gongea is a passionate UI/UX designer with a great appetite for technology and trends. Currently he owns, a future wife, a loan that comes with a monthly fee and some strange ideas about user interface and user interaction. Cheers!

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