Interface Eye Candy

Two new visualization approaches have caught my eye, and though I typically loathe cute interface write-ups (the kinds of interfaces that generate write-ups are usually too trendy and ephemeral, and won’t stand the test of time), since today is a hard-hitting day at the SSP‘s Annual Meeting in Boston, I thought a little interface eye candy might be a welcome relief:

1. SearchMe is a new search engine (currently in beta) that presents results ala the iTunes album carousel. Notice how the site of the preview appears on hover, and then the links work. Very thoughtful. I found myself exploring this more than I care to admit.
2. At first, TagGalaxy may appear to be a familiar approach to clustering information, dressed up a bit with an astronomical conceit. But wait for it. Once you click on the central planet and enter its realm, the real power of this interface reveals itself.

Enjoy!