Information Architecture
Search
Plain English
A way for users to find content by typing what they’re looking for.
Definition
Search is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on glossaryIndexingIndexing is the process of organising and storing content in a way that makes it searchable and retrievable. It enables systems to quickly locate relevant information based on queries.Open glossary term, glossaryMetadataMetadata is data that describes and provides information about other content, such as titles, descriptions, tags, and attributes. It supports organisation, search, and content management.Open glossary term, and relevance glossaryAlgorithmAn algorithm is a set of rules or instructions used to solve a problem or perform a task.Open glossary term to return useful results.
In practice
Used to help users quickly locate specific content, especially in large or complex glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
In context
Search logs are the cheapest serviceUser ResearchUnderstand user behaviour, validate ideas, and make clearer product decisions with evidence you can act on.Open service in the building. The queries returning nothing are a list of things users expected you to have.
The reality
Search is often a fallback for poor glossaryNavigationNavigation is the system of menus, links, and cues that lets people move through a product and reach what they need. It exposes the underlying structure, and is how most users experience that structure.Open glossary term - but if search is bad too, users are stuck.
Compared with
Search vs Navigation
glossaryNavigationNavigation is the system of menus, links, and cues that lets people move through a product and reach what they need. It exposes the underlying structure, and is how most users experience that structure.Open glossary term serves people who are browsing and open to being guided. Search serves people who already know what they want. Heavy search use on a small site usually means navigation is failing.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is search in UX?
Search allows users to find content by entering queries.
Why is search important?
It helps users quickly find specific information.
What makes a good search experience?
Accurate results, fast glossaryPerformancePerformance refers to how quickly and efficiently a system responds to user actions and processes tasks.Open glossary term, and relevant suggestions.
How does search work?
It uses glossaryIndexingIndexing is the process of organising and storing content in a way that makes it searchable and retrievable. It enables systems to quickly locate relevant information based on queries.Open glossary term and glossaryMetadataMetadata is data that describes and provides information about other content, such as titles, descriptions, tags, and attributes. It supports organisation, search, and content management.Open glossary term to match queries with content.
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