The site shows them how the clothes would look on them, or at least on a model their size. But many more could be doing so. Sellers of building materials could, for instance, let people scan in pictures of a foyer and then show how it would look with a slate floor. Politicians or lobbyists could post their planning models, so visitors could see how a tax cut would affect them personally. Educators also understand that teachers will numb people s brains if they just sit there at their desks, reading to the class.
Good teachers probe the class, asking and answering questions.
It is harder to build that sort of interactivity into a Web site than it is to add simulations, but it is possible. Ask Ida is like a calculator on steroids. She uses artificial intelligence to pose questions about you and the products you want, and answers any questions you have. After you progress through the questions and answers, Ida presents a list of recommended products, along with additional questions for you to answer if you want more refined suggestions. The interface is simple, the information is relevant and concise, and the activity is engaging.