The year ahead for Calcatraz
TweetHappy new year, everyone! 2009 was a very exciting year for me. The idea for an online calculator has been kicking around my head for a few years, getting progressively refined. As of March 2009 I began work on turning it into more than an idea. The first few months were spent progressively refining the core algorithms until I had it working in the way I had imagined. A basic user interface was then added and I put the calculator onto a live site in August 2009. As Calcatraz was little more than a prototype at this stage, I avoided doing any big promotional launch. Instead I have been working steadily since then to improve the site.
One of the main improvements made was to significantly improve the user interface. I noticed that users appeared to be getting confused by the sudden jump from the neat front page to a much more cluttered calculation result page. To resolve this I consolidated the two into a single page which acts as both the front page and the calculation result page, removing much of the clutter in the process. The result was an immediate increase in the number of users successfully performing calculations.
In addition, I also extended the range of core calculations performed from some basic calculations to a range of scientific calculations. To this added the ability to perform many unit conversions and, more recently, currency conversions. Another new feature with which I’m particularly happy is the display of full calculation workings.
2010
Moving on, I have many improvements planned for 2010.
I have already taken a number of steps behind the scenes to increase the amount of time I have free to spend on Calcatraz development, which should see an increase in the rate of improvement.
The focus for the start of the year is going to be on the continued improvement of calculation results. As well as improving on current answers, I’m looking to continue to expand the depth and range of calculations performed. This will involve further additions to the core, unit conversion and currency conversion modules. Additionally, several new modules will be added extending the types of calculations Calcatraz can perform.
A number of enhancements to the core algorithms are planned. These enhancements will increase automation within the development process, freeing up time for development in other areas. They are also expected to enhance the quality of calculation results.
I’m also looking to improve documentation and provide a much easier and more comprehensive set of help guides. While Calcatraz is intended to answer any calculation posed to it, it will be useful at this early stage in its development to assist users in finding the right way to express their calculation. It should also serve as a useful range of examples to illustrate what can be done.
Of particular importance is the value provided to users. I will be actively attempting to measure the levels of value provided and make use of opportunities to increase that value. Hopefully, in doing so I can tailor the calculator more accurately to the needs of the user.
I expect 2010 to bring about a significant maturing of Calcatraz as an online calculator. Perhaps I will plan a ‘launch’ towards the end of the year. Alternatively I may just continue on the path of continual improvement and allow the quality of the calculator to speak for itself.
I hope you have a happy new year, and continue to enjoy my ever improving calculator.
Recommended Articles
Have you tried Calcatraz, our free online calculator? Examples: pi*10^2, 62kg in pounds and 1*2*3*4*5.
