Best PracticesDesigning a User Interface for Your Search Application


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:

  • Do your search form and results page accommodate for multiple search terms? For instance, does the search term "sticky wicket" return only those pages with the full phrase "sticky wicket," or does it also return pages that contain "sticky" or "wicket"?

  • Is your search form accessible to those with disabilities? For tips on making your forms accessible, check out http://www.netmechanic.com/news/vol5/accessibility_no19.htm.

  • Is your search form easy to find? Is it visible on every page in your site so that visitors can use it if they get stuck in the navigation process?

  • Can your search form handle and parse out Boolean functions such as "and" and "or"?

  • Does your simple search form include a link to a more advanced search form that provides more functionality?

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.



Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio 8
Special Edition Using Macromedia Studio 8
ISBN: 0789733854
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 337

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