Tangler offers an innovative approach to open testing of online products. A combination of instant messaging and real-time forums, Tangler provides a repository of joinable discussions and archives discussions for reference. The site seems geared towards testing of new products in an interactive environment, but nothing precludes discussion around any topic from the esoteric to the deeply philosophical. The interface allows for convenient mix-media embedding of objects and a pop-up widget to allow for you to be notified of activity in the groups you participate in.
From what I can see this is an intriguing hybrid of on-line forum and real-time messaging application. The opportunity for developers to conduct pre-release public testing of web-based products is tantalizing, taking a hug step beyond a simple bug tracking interface. The biggest challenge is always to find people to commit time and engage in a testing process. However, this tool can make the process more effective allowing for the potential of immediate feedback and discussion of bugs and interface queries as they are encountered. This can allow for real-time attention to elimination of confusion over interface peculiarities. Additionally, by communicating directly with a developer when the problem is fresh in the testers mind a more rich discussion can aid product refinement. lastly, this tool allows for the extension of the testing process to the widest possible audience of individuals simply looking for the opportunity to see new things, express their opinions and put new products through their paces. Intriguing.
“geared towards” startups and their users is a good way to describe it. (Why didn’t I think of that?)
Thanks for the feedback. It’s the spice of life – at a startup.
Mick