Sometimes cryptic is OK. In the case of mycrocosm, forcing the user to learn a particular syntax for inputting data reaps long-term rewards. On this completely flexible data-collection web app, entering items happens in a single (pleasantly large, another win) text input field:
The syntax is definitely written for the geek-minded, but once learned, entering a new bit of data takes two clicks from the home page (“My Page” > [enter text] > “Capture Data”)
I’ve since moved to DAYTUM, since the visualizations and other design are far superior, but mycrocosm gets a definite win for it’s fast, powerful interface.