Ask Goes 2.0: Experimental UI

Ask has a very nice, new, experimental user interface (UI) called Ask X which has a definite Web 2.0 look and feel, but it also has many attractive and useful new features. First seen two days ago at ReadWriteWeb, their AskX - New UI for Ask.com Secretly Launched post details many of the changes. While I have seen many UI tests at Google, and some at Yahoo!, Ask has not been as active with experimental UIs. With the Ask X experiment, anyone can try it (which is a pleasant change from Google's approach where it is only determined by the luck of the draw). Gary also has an extensive description posted.

Visually, the new AskX home page used typical Web 2.0 design elements. In the screenshot below, I've noted the two major ones of a gradient background and the reflected logo.

On the results page, as seen in the next screenshot, the pop-up window is using AJAX, another classic Web 2.0 technology.

Others cover the many new features (see more coverage by Barry Schwartz at SearchEngineLand and by Phil Bradley). So far, most people that are able to see and use the new interface seem to like it. While I agree, and I'd actually like to see it rolled out more widely, there are some problems. But not everyone can use Ask X. The system requirements are

• Minimum browsers versions:
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0
  • Firefox 1.5
  • Safari 2.0
  • Netscape 7.0
  • Camino 1.0
• JavaScript enabled
• Cookies enabled
• Computer desktop must have a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher

Missing any one of these? You can probably see the home page, but the results may go back to the current Ask interface. More significantly, the heavy AJAX reliance could have a performance hit. I noticed some cases where there was a noticeable lag in displaying mouse over information -- and I'm on DSL. What happens to dial-up users?

On the positives, I like seeing

• Combination of results from several databases
• Refine suggestions on the left
• Fewer ads (current Ask had 3 on top and 4 on the bottom while Ask X had only 2 on top and 2 on the bottom)
• Smooth (if sometimes slow) AJAX interface
• The ease of the Exit Ask X to go back to the current interface

And remember, this is only an experiment. I hope to see continued improvement and development of the interface.