TomTom navigation systems have come up with a brilliant interactive campaign that brought to light our latest Site of Note. TomTom’s Map Paradise competition gives users an opportunity to map out some of the most picturesque tropical islands in the world, simply by making an application online

What’s the Site About?

TomTom is looking to create a collection of updated maps for the islands of Fiji, St Lucia, Mauritius, Cape Verde and the Seychelles. They’re willing to pay (yes, you get to go to a tropical island and you get paid for it) 5 families or groups of friends to physically map out these islands for them, while also paying them to spend two weeks of indulgent bliss on said islands. It’s possibly one of the coolest competitions ever, but that’s not why we’re here. We’re here because the awesome website - that has now been knighted as a Site of Note - has drawn us into this incredible world of azure waters, dreamlike walks on the beach and nights wrapped in beautiful starlit bliss.

What Makes this Site Cool?

As I’ve mentioned in previous write ups for our Site of Note, I love Flash. It’s a bold statement that could have me shot in the street by certain people, but it’s a technology I’ll always be loyal to. As with most large Flash websites, it takes a little while to load, but once you’re in, the fun begins. You become involved in a clever little journey that has the website’s host and narrator popping in and out of photographs while documenting what the competition is about.

Little doses of humour are dotted throughout the narrative, video content pops up to give you additional information and there is no shortage of instructional content to ensure you don’t get lost within the site. Entering is also a 100% straightforward and smooth process.

The interface is simple and clean, with direction boards pointing you to various points of navigation. It uses photographic imagery and the sound of lapping waves to tell the story and create an emotive response within the user. Have a look for yourself and prepare to be transported to a little place of momentary bliss, but don’t bother entering – I’ve got this one in the bag!