Product suggestion engine iScoper

The last post that I did was about a recommendation engine called GetGlue.

GetGlue uses the voting method to find out what you do – and don’t – like so that it can (hopefully) make good recommendations for you. The idea is that it would show you products that you did not know existed, but would probably like,  just like a good friend that knows you well could do.

iScoper, on the other hand, uses the survey method. It asks you a series of questions – and this requires some patience on your part – before it recommends (or “suggests”) a product.

Here’s a typical question:

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It’s sort of like those old decision trees. Follow the lines and you end up at the best product. iScoper is quick to point out that they do not make their money from your purchases or favor any particular vendors. Just how they do make money I have not figured out yet (but I intend to). If you’re in a rush and don’t want to fool with the questions, they do have a search box where you can just type in Panasonic Toughbook CF-52. They only cover consumer electronics.

iScoper has a very simplified interface with large, easy to read fonts and icons. Because it is also self-guided, it would be a very good site for that slightly older generation that might be frustrated with a busy, high-tech design, or even for someone that has poor vision.

Finally, they have a very helpful glossary of electronics related terms that would benefit someone unfamiliar with all of the jargon out there.

Like most sites, they also have a short video if you want a more personal introduction.  All in all a very basic and limited search engine – but in a good way. :-)