Search Box

    
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Problem Summary

A simple search box allows users to find information assets that are relevant to one or more keywords.






Usages

  • When the application has a large number of varied information assets with a significant volume of content or metadata in the form of natural language.
  • When faceted navigation alone may not be sufficient for locating specific known records.

Constraints and Challenges

  • Simple keyword search can lead to zero results.
  • Keyword search can lead to the “million or none” problem: a narrow query produces too few results; a broad one, too many.

Solution Elements

  1. Reserve a consistent, salient location on the page for the search box.
 
  1. Place a clear action button to the right of the text box.
 
  1. Allow the user to press the “Enter” key to submit the search when the search box field is in focus.
 
  1. Provide enough space in the search box for the user to enter multiple search terms in the default font and size.
 
  1. If the overall record set falls into a small set of broad categories, consider providing the user with an option to narrow her search scope to one of those categories.
 
  1. If there are further search options available (e.g., parametric), create a link that invites users with a suitable UI label.
 
  1. Optional: Add a label or prompt to the search box to clarify its purpose, limitations, or to provide simple guidance to the user.
 
  1. Optional: Implement auto-suggest functionality to map the user’s keyword terms to matching facet values.
 

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