Prezi - A Revolution in Presentations or Just Another Program?

I love StumbleUpon.  If I am bored and want to find something interesting, StumbleUpon is a great way to kill some time and find some new sites that I know I would have missed.  Using StumbleUpon yesterday I stumbled upon a new presentation software that is in its Beta phase called Prezi.

Unfortunately, it is not open to everyone...yet.  When you click on the link to sign-up, they are adding people that either have money or have great ideas...so if you have either, you might get in on the beta phase.  However, even if you can't get signed on yet, you can check out their site to see how Prezi works and some example presentations that have been made so far.

My first thoughts on this new software is simple this:  fantastic!  A new type of software that I can use in presentations that doesn't rely upon the same old presentation formats that have been used for the past two decades.  When you are forced to use PowerPoint, or a similar software, it takes some work to make it look like it is NOT PowerPoint!  Prezi, from what I have seen so far, looks like it is very user-friendly and will allow someone who does not have a great deal of time, or a great deal of imagination, to be able to create some great presentations.

One concern that I do have is that people who find this new software will go overboard with it.  Just like with PowerPoint and other presentation software.  Just because you can add sounds and effects to every bullet point doesn't mean that you should.  Prezi allows users to zoom in and out to different parts of their presentation, have things twist and turn, etc.  While this can be really good, don't over due it.  Again, I say this without having a chance to see the full version of it yet.

I'm excited to see when they release the full version of it for mass consumption.  Until then, I plan to keep checking out their website and their blog to keep up-to-date with the updates and to see how their company is doing.

Travis

Comments

[Travis Dahle]

An update for Prezi. It is now out of its Beta phase and is open to the public. They have a trial subscription that doesn't cost anything and then a couple of other levels. It is pretty nice and you should check it out!