Usability when doing searches
Jun 6, 2006 | 12:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA Premier
Posts: 280
Usability when doing searches
I'm not sure if this is possible to configure with vBulletin, but it here it goes....
The current behavior when doing searches on a forum:
1. User types in search criteria
2. If no results
a. "No results" message is displayed
b. Drop down list of forums is displayed
A desirable feature would be to add:
c. Search box with users previous search query is displayed so that user can refine the search and try again.
It seems that searching is a really big deal on the forums and the more usable the feature is, the better chance we have of avoiding the reposted topics and the especially annoying "use the search feature" posts.
As well, maybe we could put the forum search box directly on the page instead of having people click on it first. The single input box on a page has become the de factor standard for end-users recognizing a search box. Given the amount of information on a page it's easy for end-users (especially new ones) to overlook a text link.
Once again, I don't know if this can be easily configured in vBulletin or would require some major hacking.
The current behavior when doing searches on a forum:
1. User types in search criteria
2. If no results
a. "No results" message is displayed
b. Drop down list of forums is displayed
A desirable feature would be to add:
c. Search box with users previous search query is displayed so that user can refine the search and try again.
It seems that searching is a really big deal on the forums and the more usable the feature is, the better chance we have of avoiding the reposted topics and the especially annoying "use the search feature" posts.
As well, maybe we could put the forum search box directly on the page instead of having people click on it first. The single input box on a page has become the de factor standard for end-users recognizing a search box. Given the amount of information on a page it's easy for end-users (especially new ones) to overlook a text link.
Once again, I don't know if this can be easily configured in vBulletin or would require some major hacking.
Jun 6, 2006 | 5:19 pm
#2
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,445
If I get no results on a search I just use my browser back arrow to return me to the search screen.
Jun 6, 2006 | 5:50 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, UA Premier
Posts: 280
Originally Posted by Kiwi Flyer
If I get no results on a search I just use my browser back arrow to return me to the search screen.
... I'm thinking of making the search as obivous as possible for new users. I don't even know if vBulletin is flexible enough to do this easily.