Search Systems
Key Concepts
- Search Bar
- Autocomplete
- Faceted Search
- Search Filters
Search Bar
A Search Bar is a user interface element that allows users to enter keywords or phrases to find specific content within a website or application. It is typically located prominently on the page, often at the top, to ensure easy access. The search bar sends the query to a search engine, which then returns relevant results.
Example: A news website might have a search bar at the top of the page where users can type in "climate change" to find articles related to that topic.
Autocomplete
Autocomplete is a feature that provides suggestions as users type in the search bar. These suggestions are based on popular queries, previous searches, or the content available on the site. Autocomplete helps users find relevant information more quickly and can also guide them to related topics they might not have considered.
Example: When searching for "best smartphones" on an e-commerce site, the autocomplete feature might suggest "best smartphones 2023" or "best smartphones under $500."
Faceted Search
Faceted Search allows users to refine their search results by applying multiple filters simultaneously. Each facet represents a different attribute or category, such as price, brand, or rating. This helps users narrow down their search to find exactly what they are looking for.
Example: An online store might offer faceted search options where users can filter products by price range, brand, and customer rating to find the perfect item.
Search Filters
Search Filters are additional criteria that users can apply to their search queries to refine the results. These filters can include options like date range, file type, or location. Filters help users sort through large amounts of data to find the most relevant information.
Example: A job search website might offer filters such as "Full-time," "Remote," and "Last 30 days" to help users find the most relevant job listings.