Pearltrees: Visual Mapping of The Web

Pearltrees was in private beta until last month, and I had a demo with the co-founders last week. This innovative Web 2.0 app allows web users to build visual “maps” that organize web pages visually using “pearls” within a tree structure, see the picture above. Via a browser add-on, internet users can transform their daily browsing experience into a visual “pearl tree” and share it with other Pearltrees members.

I like the concept a lot but it needs some user interface improvements, such as allowing actions from a contextual menu: delete, add as friend, play the map, explore neighborhood (and more) should be accessible with a right click. Moving pearls around is easy (drag and drop) but the overall navigation could be improved. Keep in mind that this application is still in early stage and the team is releasing new features and updates regularly. The ability to embed a pearl in a blog or website has been launched on Monday (look at it in the photo gallery). Try it and send your comments to the Pearltrees team using the feedback button.

Eliane Fiolet
Categories: Top Stories, Web