Tripod Ventures Engages Yu Centrik
Yu Centrik will provide user experience analysis, design and validation for upcoming web platform for photo retailers

May 28, 2008, Montreal, Canada – Tripod Ventures, a leading provider of unique technology solutions for the retail sector, announced today that it has engaged Yu Centrik, an independent firm highly specialized in the field of interface usability, to consult on its soon to be released web platform for photo retailers. Yu Centrik will work with Tripod Ventures to lead the design of user interactions, and the final evaluation of usability for the platform.

"We are looking at the target audiences for this platform and the key tasks that these users will perform online, said Joëlle Stemp, president and usability expert with Yu Centrik. “With this type of product, we will provide recommendations on many aspects, including the workflow, the user interface and the overall user experience. We will also do thorough usability testing to identify and correct any usability issues and to measure overall user satisfaction."

Consumers are logging on in greater numbers to create and order prints, as well as personalized photo products such as photobooks, calendars and cards. According to the January 2008 PMA Monthly Printing and Camera Trends Report, there has been a 58% increase in the number of prints ordered from online photo services in the past 12 months. Yet retailers and consumers both voice continued frustrations with the web ordering experience.

"With our understanding of this industry and Yu Centrik’s expertise in user analysis and experience design, we make a perfect team,” said Shant Balayan, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tripod Ventures. “We believe that user experience is the number one factor in improving growth of the online channel, and we plan to bring forth a new platform for retailers that will eliminate many of the traditional user experience challenges."

The platform, currently code named "Fusion", is slated for debut in late 2008. Based on third-generation technology, "Fusion" delivers a unified user interface for both print processing and photo merchandising orders. It leverages the latest web technology to streamline the ordering process, and create a stellar user experience that is intuitive for consumers. For the retailer, this means greater client conversion, increased revenue, and lower staff training costs.

About Yu Centrik
Yu Centrik is an independent firm that is highly specialized in the field of interface usability. Since it was founded in 2003, Yu Centrik has grown to serve a broad base of businesses by analyzing, designing, and testing technologically oriented products. Today, Yu Centrik helps its clients to develop a user experience that is globally positive, consistent, and comprehensive in all of the various ways in which a product is used. Yu Centrik works with large and small businesses across North America, including: Passeport Santé, Tata Communications, Tourisme Montreal, Videotron and Yves Roche Group North America.

About Tripod Ventures
Tripod Ventures was formed in 2007 to meet an emerging need in the retail sector for Web 2.0 technology solutions that combine stellar user experiences with operational excellence. Each of the company’s three founders brings a different cluster of expertise to the group: technology innovation, operational excellence, and a deep strategic knowledge of the retail business. The company is dedicated to funding the development and operation of unique technology solutions for the retail sector that enable retailers to manage the order and fulfillment process for user generated objects. The privately held company is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. For more information about the company, visit its web site at www.tripodventures.com.

Press Contacts
Andrea Simmons
Tripod Ventures
Tel.: + 1 514 876 9267
asimmons@tripodventures.com