Almost as powerful as the database backend or the search engine application you use, your search interface can determine whether your users are successful in retrieving the search results they are seeking. Sometimes, the most effective search forms are as simple as possible, allowing the hard work of parsing out the search term to be done on the back end without the user ever knowing that the query is being sliced and diced. For instance, when designing a search interface, you might consider some of the following:
Addressing some of these concerns may help you in your search form development and may produce a stronger search form that helps your users in their search activities. |