We're "sucking" less

November 26, 2007  |  Posted by: Eric Karjaluoto

As much as we dig this site, we're aware that some parts of it... well... suck. The nice part, however, is that we're figuring out what works and what doesn't. Your suggestions for improvements have helped us in this a great deal.

Although we've been catching bugs along the way, today we're releasing the first major update to MakeFive. Following are some of the recent changes:

• Revised and simplified home page
• New “Activity feed” with up-to-the-minute updates
• Easier access to all voters’ selections
• Less clutter in the navigation
• Better message area in personalized home

We think these improvements will make a big difference in how the site works, and the kind of experience you'll have on it.

Please note that there are still many issues to be addressed. If you've made a suggestion and it doesn't look like we've done anything about it, don't worry. We have it on our list and are working on it.  :-)

The first five days

November 9, 2007  |  Posted by: Eric Karjaluoto 

The past week has been a real rush. After opening things up, we received a number of suggestions and notes about little bugs. (Thanks to all of you are suggesting changes, and pointing out glitches.)

The list is long, but we've already improved the user’s ability to view other's lists in a topic, as well as the number of voters on a topic. We're working as quickly as we can, and are continually adding little improvements. This should get better all the time!

An insight into the impetus behind MakeFive

November 9, 2007  |  Posted by: Eric Karjaluoto 

At smashLAB, we love making stuff. As such, we split our efforts between client work and personal projects. Our moral obligation inspired Design Can Change last spring, and our dissatisfaction with the status quo has resulted in our latest initiative, which asks the simple question, “What do you think?” Continue reading this story…

MakeFive is alive!

November 5, 2007  |  Posted by: Eric Karjaluoto 

We’ve been hard at work for the past several months, in an effort to build a meaningful and useful website. It’s a great pleasure to introduce you to MakeFive, especially as you are one of the very first to test-drive the system.

Please take a good look around and see what you think. We encourage you to play a little and have some fun. Additionally, if you spot any bugs (there certainly are a few), we ask you to notify us of them at: bugs@makefive.com. Please note what the problem is, the page it occurs on, and the OS/browser you are using.

Well, I know it’s brief, but that’s my quick introduction to the service. Again, have lots of fun, and get in touch with your thoughts!