TypePad Time

05 Aug 2003 by

If you haven’t heard, TypePad (a hosted self-publishing/blogging tool by SixApart, the makers of Movable Type — the software that runs Signal vs. Noise and thousands of other blogs) is in preview release mode. Sign up and check it out. It looks fantastic.

I think today is a very important day in the world of web-based apps. TypePad not only leapfrogged the other blogging apps in terms of simplicity and functionality, but it leapfrogged nearly all web-based apps in terms of UI design. The UI is clean, crisp, and clear. Nearly everything that might require explanation is explained inline. The copywriting — one of the most overlooked aspects of a good UI — is clear and to the point. The interface is thin and gets out of the way — everything that’s there is there for a reason. The focus is on the functionality, not the graphic design. The office politics that frequently destroy a UI appear to have taken a back seat to common sense. Sure, there are a few kinks they need to work out, and a few areas that could be better, but TypePad is one of the next-generation services that is setting a new standard for web-app UI. Well done.