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Spur is a web page critiquing application. Users can enter any URL into the search box found on the Spur homepage. After watching a charmingly western loading screen for several seconds, the user is taken to the memory test creator. The user enters their URL to generate a memory test. The test can be shared on Facebook and Twitter. Spur records the results and shows the user how memorable their web page is. The results show the user just how much their visitors take in and understand each time they visit their website. The information can be used to make improvements and test out new designs to see what works the best.

Spur was created by the Zurb team. While Zurb is relatively well-known, Spur hasn’t received significant attention. The application serves a helpful purpose and does so with unique style. There are a number of other applications that provide a similar service, which might detract from Spur’s popularity. The application appeared in 2011 and is designed to help website owners and designers decide which visual elements work the best with their audiences.

There are a few different applications that let users create a memory test for their web pages. Spur is no different. The service generates a memory test, asks the test taker questions and returns the results to the user. This process may not be new, but it works well for the application’s intended purpose. Spur invites users with a friendly design and unique style that gives it a little more visual appeal than some of its competitors.

Spur invites users with a warm, orange color scheme and western style. The animated loading screen features a horse riding cowboy, cactus and spinning windmill in silhouette against a setting sun. While this isn’t part of the actual interface, it adds personality to the experience. The interface is clean and clutter free, allowing the user to create memory tests and manage results without a hitch.

No account is required to use Spur. A visitor can access the URL search from the homepage as soon as they arrive. No persona information must be given and the user can search and test as many times as they like. The application will track how many times a unique visitor uses its service. After approximately three or four return visits, Spur suggests the user try Zurb’s other application, Notable. This is only a suggestion and not required to keep using Spur.

Spur doesn’t require an account, which would make it rather difficult to charge a subscription fee. Anyone can memory test websites for nothing. There are no fees and the user doesn’t have to make any purchases. The site occasionally suggests related applications made by the same company to the user, but the user is not required to sign up or subscribe to anything else to keep using Spur.

Spur is a helpful tool for anyone who wants to see how visitors perceive a website design. The application allows users to work with an actual URL or an image so potential designs can be tested as well. The interface is user friendly and the user doesn’t have to sign in or pay anything to check additional URLs. The application can work for anyone, from casual website owners to serious professionals.

• Instantly create a memory test with any URL
• Share memory tests using Facebook and Twitter
• Review result reports to see how memorable a web page is
• Discover problem areas and test out new site designs
• Upload an image instead of searching for a URL

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