In or Out – Simple Event & Activity Scheduling

8 thoughts on “In or Out – Simple Event & Activity Scheduling”

1. 1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?

   I was thoroughly impressed visually with your site. It featured eye catching colors, great graphics and it was clean and organizied. After reading your sites header I knew exactly what your site was about with no need to search or guess. I like that you use a small homepapge only putting the ncessary information on it. I can’t wait to dive in to so see how “simple” it really is.

   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.
   Your how it works tab was simple and easy to follow. I really liked the screen shots and the clear text used under each catergory. The colors were, yet again, dynamic and bold. Some users might say they would want the screen shots to be bigger but I found them suitable as to now make the page to lenghty.

   The create event page was beautifully done. I like that I could easily switch to a reacurring event with the click of a button. Under the create a group button under the manual adding contacts I would like to have seen a space in which to type information like the othet two sections. I almost got confused with that section until I saw that my cursor was blinking inside the box. Also with that when I typed in the email address it just used the begining of the address as the name. I wasnt sure if I could add a name or not.

   The process was smooth and easy and just as simple as you explained it to be.
   
   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why?
   I like how they have sample on the homepage so that you can see how your invites will look. With your site I have no indication as to what my invite will look like to my guest. Their site also as ecards which your site does not, again they are adding another aspect to their site. On the other hand sending invitation and cards are not the same and don’t necessarily need to be together for a site to deliver on what they say they can do. I think your site does a much better job at simply explaining what you do and it’s consistent on every page. With evite, although they may have more options, they are not as clear as to what to do. I like how they have themes to choose from, you can save your invite as draft and that you can preview your invitation. Having the ability to change font style is another great feature.
   
   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?

   I think that your site lacks the ability to customize their invitations and glam them up. You site is exactly like you say simple to use and your back that up hands down. I think that you can add invitations themes and still keep your site simple and easy to use. I think evite does a nice job of having themes but you don’t have to have as much samples as they have.
   
   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.
   On the homepage under the advertise middle section your sentence needs a period at the end of it. 

   This sentence, “My Groups tabif you already have groups stored in your InOrOut account… Put a space in between “tab” and if.” Simple correction.

2. 1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?
   Bright and inviting. Colors are pleasant and soft. Graphics and images are dynamic and well suited to the page. Easy to understand and simple clean concept. Nice layout. Very intuitive and easy to follow along with.
    
   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.
   Yes, the goal you have attempted has, in my opinion, been accomplished. This is not just a static page, but an actionable and interactive site. The sense is that a visitor can easy get involved and become a part of the process.
    
   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why?
   I browsed the Evite site. It is ok too, however it is a bit more complex and somewhat less intuitive. It seems to take longer to “get” the concept with Evite. One element I did like about Evite was the “Create Invitation” button. Overall, a nice site as well, but InorOut seems to be more inviting and more user friendly overall. Evite also seems to be a bit more overburdened with advertising, while InorOut keeps that aspect to a minimum.
    
   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?
   The first feature that comes to mind is an intro video. A simple easy to understand, fun and informative clickable video that offers and intro about the company would really spice up the whole concept. Using a young friendly person that has a pleasing sound who goes through and explains the concept would be a big advantage, in my opinion.
    
   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.
   Good site with good underlying concept. Poised to make a strong standing in the world of internet businesses. Nice web 2.0 look and interface. Would add testimonials, and trust badges. Other than that, site is on the right track.

3.  
   1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?

   The homepage is straightforward and to the point. It’s clean and very visually appealing.
   There was no guessing what to do or where to do it. Nice navigation.
   I did have a bit of confusion. The three main links “When is your event,” “Who is attending” and “Are you In or Out” all go to the same page. It seemed a little confusing, maybe even deceptive. Especially the “Are you in or out” link–seems like it should have gone to a page to reply to an invitation.

   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.

   It’s very user-friendly. It’s uncomplicated and everything you need to use is right there in front of you.
   Screenshot are clear and easy to follow.

   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why?

   Evite’s site is a bit “busy.” They are offering e-cards and gifts and things. It seems that it goes beyond the original idea.
   The InOrOut site is much more visually appealing with easier to understand navigation.

   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?

   Maybe a few “themes” for events, or the ability to import art as a background for invitations.

   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.

   I would run a spell check or have an editor look over the FAQ section.
   The site is nice and has a good chance for being very popular.

4. 1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?
   Website looks good. Nice design. But as a new user to the website, my first impression was “why do i need a separate website to handle my events” ? I can do it in my outlook. If some very interesting catchy line is added in the home page, it will be nice.
   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.
   Creating or signing up to the account is already there in the “create event” page. Is it required as a separate tab ?
   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why?
   InOrOut is simple to look. Evite has some appealing designs at the first page which is very important. Your website doesn’t tell whether you get a specialized cards for the event. I’m sorry but In fact if I am really looking for an event organizing I might go for evite because it does show me the end product very clearly. (Like what kind of designer card I can send to my friends). So instead of going through the process of event creation they can choose whether to go on with the site or not.
   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?
   a. May be you can add a chat option to discuss the event between the friends
   b. Downloading the event may be an option to consider
    
   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.
   a. Site does not have proper SEO. If i Google for “In or Out” rather this site is coming in top 10 page — “https://www.inn-or-out.com/”
   b. I searched for “simple event schedule” in google, site didnt even showed up in too 100 !!

5. 1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?
   InorOut.com looks to have something to do with event scheduling. The graphics are done nicely, but it lacks a personal touch. I’ve seen thousands of sites with generic homepages. I think you should have pictures of your staff, “Who We Are” section, and high-quality photos of real people. Maybe a photo of someone at their computer in their home.

   I see icons and words, but that’s about it. You need more personality and the human element.

   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.

   The site is easy to navigate, but I think your greatest hurdle is convincing visitors that we need your site to schedule events versus a traditional planner, putting the event in our smartphone, etc.

   I am not convinced by your homepage alone that I need your service. This is what you need on your homepage: selling points or reasons why people need your service. You need statistics of what happens when people don’t schedule events to prove failure without your service.
   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why?
   
   Evite (at new.evite.com) appears to be party supplies, stationary and party stuff. I don’t see how you are a full competitor with a party supplier. I don’t think this is a fair site to compare you to.

   Again the website needs to convince people that you solve our problem. Otherwise, we don’t need you and you will not get revenue.

   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?

   I couldn’t tell you what features you are missing. Nothing obvious I can point out.
   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.

   I recommend the following: 1. Get rid of any Google adsense ads on your homepage. You want to portray yourself as premium and don’t expect to get adsense revenue from your homepage (otherwise, expect to not be pulling visitors in to buy your service).

   2. In or Out could easily be confused with terminology referring to sexual preferences. Keep that in mind when you use this domain.

   3. You need more of the human element and personality on your homepage. Get a professional picture of someone (or family) sitting in front of the computer using your site. As is, just nice logos do not tell me that you are human enough to use. Every generic website has nice looking icons.

   4. You need selling points or statistics of why people that don’t plan fail.

   5. Problem is, every social networking site has ways of making events. You are like a standalone – not integrated into the social sites. This is a problem. People are already on facebook, this is where you need to insert yourself. Think about your strategy and how you will be successful competiting with social networking sites.

6. 1) Look around the home page – what is your initial impression of what you see?
   The website looked clean, simple and to the point. I could tell right away that it was for event scheduling. I liked the graphics. I would have liked it if it had a bit more of a personal touch. It doesn’t feel as friendly as if it were to have an area that explained who you guys were or had some pictures.
   2) The site was designed to be very user friendly & simple as possible. We’re really trying to hang our hat on this. Do you find the site to be easy to navigate & user friendly? If not, please explain why and how we could improve.
   I do think its simple and user friendly. That is my favorite part of the site. Its easy to navigate and straight forward.
   3) Evite is the main competitor in this space. Compare the two companies. Which one do you prefer? Why? In or Out is easier to navigate then Evite. In or Out is less confusing and more straightforward and to the point. I liked how you could see designs for certain invitations on Evite. It shows examples of what they can do. I also liked how it listed occasions where an event planner would be helpful. I prefer Evite just for the things I just mentioned although If you changed that I would prefer In Or Out.
    
   4) Since we’re trying to keep the site as simple as possible, it’s important that new functionality benefit the majority of our users. Are there any features that you feel are missing that would benefit most of our users?
   I think a testimonials section and a more personal touch would be great improvements. Maybe a section that explains who you guys are and why you chose event planning or something like that would be nice to give us more of a feel of who you guys are.
   5) Please share any additional feedback/comments you may have.
   1. The testimonials thing is a big suggestion. I think it would help show us why people like you guys and why we should choose you.
   2. I think there should be a section that explains why people need event planners. A lot of people don’t even use event planners anymore so It would be nice to show how having an event planner helps.
   3. There should be a section that explains who you guys are and gives it more of a personal touch.
   4. The site name could be a bit confusing too. I didn’t know what the site was about until I read the description. Luckily the graphics and site itself easily clears that up.
   5. The site is simple and straightforward though and has nice graphics. Overall, I liked the site I just think it could use the few improvements I listed above.

7. 1. My initial impression of In or Out is favorable. I like the colorful yet simple home page, and it’s very clear from the outset that you offer web-based event planning.
    
   2. Yes, I do. The only problem I noticed was that it looked like the screenshots didn’t load on the “How It Works” page. (I use Firefox 13 with a number of pop-up blockers, by the way.)
    
   3. I haven’t personally used Evite, but it looks like it’s a more comprehensive service, whereas yours is more basic. Evite offers a wide array of templates for rather fancy invitations that can be emailed or snail mailed, while, if I’m not mistaken, In or Out just offers a simple RSVP email. Evite provides RSVP tracking like In or Out does plus other useful features that In or Out doesn’t seem to have such as guest polls, a potluck sign-up, a task checklist, a party budgeter, and so on. Evite also archives a lot of articles on entertaining and sells gifts and party supplies. I don’t see anything like that at In or Out. Much of Evite is free to use, although I’m aware that some parts aren’t (which parts exactly I wasn’t able to figure out easily). At this point, they seem to have more options than you have for the same amount of money (i.e., free of charge).
    
   4. I like a lot of the features that Evite offers, but I understand that you’re trying to keep your service simple and just stick to basic email invitations. Since that’s the case, I guess I’d have to say the only feature I think it would really behoove you to add would be something comparable to Evite’s guest task sign-up, which enables guests to list items they can contribute. This is extremely useful for parties and events that require everyone to bring something.

8. Sorry, part of my response got cut off! Here’s the rest:
    
   5. I’m going to take a few minutes to go through your site and comment on the various pages.
    
   Home Page – As I said, I really like this. It’s short and sweet and has some eye-catching color. With just a headline and a couple of images illustrating three basic steps, you immediately convey the purpose of In or Out and how it can help users.
    
   How It Works – Ok, finally the screenshots are loading fully. It took three tries, though. If I weren’t reviewing this site, I wouldn’t have bothered trying more than once or twice. Anyway, I find the screenshots too small to be of much use. I wish they would enlarge when I clicked on or rolled over them. Other than that, the copy is easy to read and understand. Just watch out for small spelling and grammatical errors.
    
   Create an Event – I was able to do this in just a couple of minutes. It was extremely easy. The only problem was that the “Add Contact” button was partly obscured behind a checkbox. I sent an invitation to myself and checked to make sure it arrived. It did.
    
   Create an Account – I didn’t intend to do this but had to as part of the “Create an Event” process. At least it was a smooth, simple procedure.
    
   FAQ’s – Again, the copy is very readable, but there are a few spelling and grammar mistakes. Also, since this is quite a long page, it would be great to list all the questions at the top and link each one to its answer further down the page.
    
    
   Overall, I think you have a nice site. It’s easy to understand and navigate, and the service is very simple to use. Compared to Evite, it doesn’t offer anywhere near as much, but if users want to email invitations very quickly without any hassle, I guess this would be the place to go. Good luck!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

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