Dr. Tony Karrer was the acting Chief Technology Officer of eHarmony during its humble beginnings. Because he helped first construct eHarmony 1.0, he is often met by people who have an idea of a startup online service based on a matching algorithm. For example, an “eHarmony of” careers, college, doctors, contractors, etc.
In today’s explosion of information, and narrowing of distances through improved telecommunications, the choices we can make in our lives are growing and growing. Indeed, he explains, there is value and broad appeal in a service that cuts this copiousness down into a smaller list of reasonable choices.
His article on his blog, SOCAL CTO, dated 2 November 2009, explains two key requirements of a matching algorithm found in eHarmony. Some notable quotes:
A matching algorithm is at the heart of how you deal with scale and complexity.
If you can offer something that’s not at all clear how you are doing it, then people perceive greater value.
[eHarmony's] free personality profile … nails you [and] gives you confidence that they understand you and what would make a good potential marriage partner.
A lot of people I talk to about their matching algorithm don’t know that eHarmony (more specifically Neil Clark Warren) had years of scientific research that were the basis of his dimensions of compatibility.
Without the foundation [of research data], you are likely going to have trouble creating something that [has higher perceived value].
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