Filtering

We want to include as much information as we can to assist in narrowing the results. Look at the difference of these two filter patterns…

While both of these filters have their advantages both serve the same purpose… so which one is better?
The example on the left allows you to choose multiple options under the each category, allowing you to choose a bunch of search options before submitting the form and seeing the results.

The example on the right is a link that will immediately change the results by removing the options that don’t match the filter from view; it also gives the number of results before the filter is applied.

Even though you can choose multiple options in the example on the left, the one on the right is the better choice because the user can foresee the results and get immediate responses. In the example on the right the user does not run the risk of over filtering the results and returning zero matches. Imagine a case where the user over filters and then struggles to then figure out which filters to remove.

Auto Complete

Basic type ahead is nice, but having the ability to also display the number of results with each suggestion? Now that’s helpful

When suggesting searches don’t just offer up the most common searches but instead display an actual live search of the sites content. If your site offers products allow searching by product numbers, product names and descriptions.

Displaying the number of results with each live search offers better suggestions. Another thought is to also group results by categories in the suggestion list by type of content found. For instance by products, documents, site content… This way the user can better filter the suggestions by the type of content they are looking for.

Be sure to keep the list alphabetical. Highlighting the search query in the found text is also helpful. This gives reference as to why a particular term is being displayed.

When all else fails: Help when it’s needed

One last thing we can do for our search users is provide help when it’s needed. Returning a message like “Sorry your search on __ resulted in ‘0’ results please refine your search criterion.” Now that can be a frustrating message to any user.

How about offering up suggestions based on the search words used? If for example you could tell from the word or phrase what type of content others looked at when searching on similar terms.

Another thing you might want to display is any help to perform better searches. For example: some search engines have search operators (special characters to perform advanced searches). Displaying the list of available operators and brief info on how to use them is a good way of offering help.

Yet another good option is incorporating an advanced search form just below a message stating that they could turn up better results if they try using the advanced search.

Summary

In short, think about the many frustrations you run into when doing a site search and try to offer assistance when situations get sticky. Refer to patterns as a guide in choosing and designing you next project.

Additional Resources

Articles and blog posts

People Search Once, Maybe Twice
Users Don’t Learn to Search Better
communicating patterns part one

Design Patterns

welie
yahoo patterns
helsinki patterns
time-tripper.com ui patterns
hci patterns
guidebook gallery
Mad * Pow’s Amy Cueva’s latest presentation “Search & Filter Interface Roundup” (wish I could have heard the presentation to go along with the slides) Search & Filter Interface Roundup (pdf)