Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric Multiselect

    
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Solution Elements
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Problem Summary

This pattern provides a parametric-like search approach to attribute-driven navigation while displaying facets in an open state with facet values visible. The facet values update as refinements are selected to avoid zero-results searches, and the multiselect approach provides the ability to express very precise combinations of parameters using intersections and unions ("AND" and "OR", etc.).

This pattern is similar to Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric in appearance, since both are aimed predominantly at users who want to be aware of and actively consider tradeoffs among varied facets and may prefer (by convention) a "parametric search" style of interaction in which the facets are laid out in a horizontal sequence with dimension values displayed in their “open” state by default. However, the key principle underlying this design is the ability to express queries that both expand and narrow results by flexibly combining the intersection ("AND") and union ("OR") of a range of criteria.






Usages

The usages for Faceted Navigation" Open Parametric Multiselect are similar to Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric. However, the multiselect approach provides the ability to express queries that both expand and narrow results by flexibly combining the intersection ("AND") and union ("OR") of a set of facet values. Namely:

  • This pattern is aimed predominantly at users who want to be aware of and actively consider tradeoffs among varied facets and may prefer (by convention) a "parametric search" style of interaction in which the facets are laid out in a horizontal sequence with dimension values displayed in their "open" state by default.

  • As a consequence of the above, this style of faceted navigation supports the use of "inline" mementos, i.e., markers within the faceted navigation panel that indicate which facet values are currently selected. As a result (in contrast to Faceted Navigation" Vertical Stack), the current navigational state is implicit in the state of the navigation menu, and thus a separate breadbox may not be necessary.
  • However, using solely inline mementos can degrade the user's sense of context when navigating complex data sets, since some mementos may scroll out of view within each facet, and likewise, some facets may scroll out of view entirely. Conversely, using both a breadbox and inline mementos could become confusing, due to the duplication (and redundancy) between the two interaction methods.

Constraints and Challenges

The constraints and challenges for Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric Multiselect are similar to Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric. However, the ability to express precise combinations of parameters using intersections and unions brings additional challenges:

  • Displaying too many choices can be overwhelming for the user, particularly as the facets are all displayed in their "open" state by default.
  • Displaying the facets in fixed positions can lead to wasted screen space (in displaying facets that would otherwise have been refined away).
  • If the width of all the combined facets is greater than the width of the page, then horizontal scrolling will be required. As a result, some facets will be hidden from view at any given time.
  • Arranging the facets in a N by M table and wrapping them across the page can remove the need for horizontal scrolling, but depending on how the facets wrap, space can be wasted (e.g., if six facets are laid out in a table that is five columns by two rows).
  • Conveying to users that they can select more than one facet value can create additional UI clutter.
  • Ensuring that users understand the consequences of applying multiselect values within a given facet and the impact of combining these with selections across other facets can require complex information and interaction design.

Solution Elements

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  1. Support solution elements #1 to #8 from the Faceted Navigation: Vertical Stack design pattern.
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  1. Support solution elements #2, #4, #5 and #6 from the Breadbox design pattern.
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  1. Support solution elements #3 to #6 from the Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric design pattern.
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  1. Provide an affordance that conveys the ability to select multiple facet values.
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  1. As the user selects and deselects facet values, use one of the following two interaction models (1-dynamic update or 2-user action required) :
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  1. [Optional] By default, always display all possible values for all facets (with a vertical scrollbar within individual facets where necessary).
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Cautions

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  1. Changing the ordering/sequence of facets when they get refined away risks disorienting the user.
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  1. The absence of an affordance that conveys the ability to select multiple facet values compromises ease of discovery and learnability of the feature.
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Related Patterns

Faceted Navigation: Vertical Stack
Faceted Navigation: Open Parametric
Breadbox

Additional Examples

RS Components


RS Components uses a multiselect form of parametric search, with a fixed number of dimensions that do not scroll or wrap. A separate breadbox is used to display the current navigational context.