ICQ Universe Visualizer

David Weinberger mentions the Flash-based visualizer built into the ICQ Universe SNS. Intrigued by the possibility of an usable network visualizer (mostly because I'm in the process of developing one for the SparkCard System), I immediately headed over to see how big the universe really was.

After finally registering for the service, I was invited into the network after about twenty minutes by a complete stranger -- someone I did not even proposition for an invitation. I'm still very skeptical about the practical uses of this whole Universe thing, but I will admit that this visualizer is very interesting.

The visualizer utilizes a Start Bar like module that allows you to track the path to the user universe you are currently viewing. Each user's universe is represented in a rectangular area that has small card-like profiles for individual contacts. The contacts are shown in a scaled-down size which is zooms in on mouseover. A great deal of information is visible in the scaled-down size. The card contains an icon (possibly a photo) for the user, the age of the user, a flag indicating their country, an ICQ bloom indicating their online status, a small counter indicating their total friends in the universe, and a statement of the relationship the center user holds with the contact.

Clicking on a card drills down into the universe of the selected individual. For the entire universe, the owner is centered in the space with a little bit more information about the user including links to send a message and view a profile. Unfortunately, messaging is performed outside of the Flash application, which tends to ruin the continuity.

I recommend that anyone interested take a look for themselves. If anyone would like to add me (1648879) or to be added, please let me know.