What can you use the application for?
Citysearch is a well known lifestyle guide that claims to help people in deciding where to spend their hard-earned money on products and services they are looking for. It encompasses an elaborate amount of information about all the major US cities, ranging from spas and hotels to chic boutiques. Popular city guides and categories can be used to access the specific information. Further one can also search by putting ‘what’ and ‘where’ in the search boxes of the home page. In addition the site allows a user to hop on from New York’s Hotels to Chicago’s Restaurants to Los Angeles’ Shopping to San Francisco’s Night Clubs. The partner sites are displayed on the bottom of home page. It has recently expanded its operations by acquiring Insiderpages. A number of options to assist the user are stuffed in it.
What is the history and popularity of the application?
Millions of reviews, ratings and business listings are what it boasts of. It expanded its operations by acquiring a similar industry player, Insiderpages in March’07. Jay Herratti is the CEO. He has served at a number of important positions in various business houses prior to getting attached to Citysearch.
What are the differences to other applications?
The most noticeable difference lies in the fact that Citysearch is part of IAC group. This makes it build an impressive image for itself. However, as one ventures inside it, loopholes are discovered fast enough that questions its reputation. Other prominent websites dealing in same area appear to have very well managed material; however, this site is a disappointment. There is a dire need to improve it in terms of presentation. However, information it has makes it stand apart from the crowd.
How does the application look and feel to use?
Shades of blue with yellow sprinkled here and there on the home page are good. The logo has an arrow pointing on a bright blue colored circle. This underlines the concept that this application helps in locating exactly the desired place. Text has ‘Live like an insider’ written below it. Navigation is fine. Use of animation in a sprinkled manner is something, which makes the user take interest in browsing through the pages. However, despite this, an apt use of space is lacking. The structuring is really something that affects the usability of the site.. No proper guidelines for using the information thrown are given. One takes ages to figure out what comes from where. The profile created has all the details spread out on the page. Unorganized placement of items makes it score poorly. No special features are provided in the profile.
How does the registration process work?
This optional process does not need much information but it does take some time to get registered as the rules were not visible prior to making entry. For instance, the member name required to be 2-25 units in length. However it gets communicated only when one has made a wrong entry. Confirmation e-mail is sent to the e-mail address provided. Registration is for free, so no credit card details are required.
What does it cost to use the application?
Advertisements and featured sponsors that are displayed throughout the website and there give the financial support to the website. Absence of pop-ups is a real respite.
Who would you recommend the application to?
The application is of use to those who are very much into travelling and need a guide to know best places in a particular US city. By giving a look to the reviews that Citysearch houses, one can have an idea of what is best in a specific place. However, a beginner is sure to get muddled up with the mis-positioning of the information. So this recommended for those who have tried their hands at similar websites and are enough skilled to handle the bulk of information should opt for it.
