AJAX-based "Lifestyle Planning" Website Launches

JavaScriptSearch
Thursday, June 29, 2006; 04:43 AM

Two recent graduates from California based universities have launched PlanJam.com, a lifestyle planning website that helps Internet users search for and plan everyday events. Only the first of the promised several new online lifestyle planning features are currently available.

Through the fusion of an e-Commerce interface (i.e. shopping cart) with localized resources and information, PlanJam seeks to change the way users search and plan for everyday events. Focusing initially on Date Planning, PlanJam promises several innovative features and rich content (currently limited to California) in the very near future.

By providing users with all of the ideas up-front (as opposed to having to search for them), PlanJam allows them to customize their own date based on individual preferences and geographic location. By exploiting web technologies such as AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) and DHTML, users are able to drag-and-drop activities into a “shopping cart” that stores the information while they continue to search.

From everyday activities such as hiking and swimming, to romantic lookout spots and picnic areas, or slapstick varieties such as haunted locations and UFO sighting grounds — PlanJam provides free access to over 120 activities through its incredibly easy and user-oriented interface.

Addressing the issue of simplicity and navigation, PlanJam’s architect and CTO Eugene Gimelberg noted, “We knew exactly what we wanted when we first sketched out the design for the website. We had two specific goals in mind: First, design a website that had everything a user could want, with features placed strategically as a natural extension of the user; and to minimize the number of pages a user must go through to get the information. It’s really just that simple”.

Sightseeing planning with PlanJam.