Semantic search engines are starting to appear on the fringes of mainstream web, and thanks to Yahoo’s BOSS/SearchMonkey integrations they are likely to get a lot more prevalent. However, a vital component needs to be overhauled before my mum is going to use them - the user interface.
Let’s start by having a look at current search engine UIs in common use today.
A Single Text Box
At present, search engines just employ a single text box for users to enter a summary of their goal. This works well for most text-based searches, not least because users have learned to modify their behaviour to get the most out of the search technology.
Most users type one to three noun phrases, examine the results and then either drill into the ten blue links or refine their query, often returning to previous queries before they reach their goal.
One of the biggest challenges for semantic search developers will be to modify the users’ learned behaviour. Longer queries give more accurate results, both for text search and semantic search.
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Let’s start by having a look at current search engine UIs in common use today.
A Single Text Box
At present, search engines just employ a single text box for users to enter a summary of their goal. This works well for most text-based searches, not least because users have learned to modify their behaviour to get the most out of the search technology.
Most users type one to three noun phrases, examine the results and then either drill into the ten blue links or refine their query, often returning to previous queries before they reach their goal.
One of the biggest challenges for semantic search developers will be to modify the users’ learned behaviour. Longer queries give more accurate results, both for text search and semantic search.
view post...
