What: 
Refining and extending the traditional model of search engines into a dynamic entertainment and information resource.

When:  1997

Project Challenge: 
AltaVista had already earned a reputation as the premier search engine on the web when Compaq acquired the company and asked Funny Garbage (FG) to create a more cohesive user experience and to enhance their brand identity. FG relished the opportunity to refine and extend the traditional model of search engines into a more dynamic entertainment and information resource.

How did we do it?
The transformation of AltaVista into a user-friendly destination required a complete content reorganization, as well as a graphic reface of the existing site. The information architecture was streamlined and enhanced, bringing more compelling content to the home page, to encourage ease of use and frequent return traffic. The site was reengineered to make web searching easier, enabling users to formulate searches providing more accurate results. FG integrated the various new technologies and content by creating consistent streamlined user interfaces, producing a cohesive experience within the AltaVista brand.

The popularity of search engines is a prime example of how the Internet is creating new forms of experience. The growth of brands like AltaVista, Yahoo and Excite illustrates the entertainment value of searching the web, not unlike browsing through magazines or channel surfing in traditional media.