KAMİS
Search
Design of Search Fields
Principle
Search fields should be designed to enable users to search quickly and easily.
Description
On content-rich websites, the search box is one of the most frequently used components. If the content on a website is not well-organized, users inevitably resort to using the search feature. In such cases, the design of search boxes plays a crucial role in the website's usability perception.
Guidelines
- The search feature should be accessible using keyboard shortcuts and basic keys.
- The search field should be designed in a way that users can easily recognize, access, and interact with it.
- The search field should be placed in the upper right section of the page. Research has shown that users expect to find the search field in the upper right section of the page.
- The length of the search field should not be too short, and the text size should not be too small to ensure that queries entered into it can be easily read. Ideally, it should be able to display text of 20 characters in length.
- The search/submit button should not be too small, to the extent that users struggle to place their cursor on it.
- The design of the search field should be kept simple, avoiding excessive elements, and a plain design that users can easily recognize should be preferred.
- The text on the search button should use expressions such as "Search" or "Find" that help users recognize this field, and generic terms like "Go" or "Submit" should be avoided.
- A minimally designed magnifying glass icon should be used in search fields. The magnifying glass icon is effective in helping users recognize and easily find the search field.
- Where technically feasible, smart search (auto-suggestion) should be implemented, allowing for instant querying from partial data entry.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.8 – Search field size
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.9 – Shortcut to search function
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
Scope of Search
Principle
The search process should cover the entire site, and if searches can be performed with different scopes, this should be clearly indicated to users.
Description
Users expect their searches to be valid across the entire site. If their search is limited to a specific section of the site without clear notification, it can lead to user confusion.
Guidelines
- The search function should be structured based on the information contained on the website and the anticipated needs of the user.
- If searches are limited to specific sections of the website, this information should be conveyed to the user in a clear and understandable manner.
- Considering the website's scope and the tasks performed within the site, it is advisable to provide users with the option to search across the entire website or specific sections when necessary.
- Limiting searches to specific scopes should only be employed if it can be effectively designed; otherwise, it might lead users to believe they cannot find what they are looking for and prompt them to abandon the site.
- On websites that offer searches within specific scopes, clear methods should be provided for users to easily change the search scope.
- Using two different search fields on websites should be avoided. This method has only proven useful for employee directory searches in intranets.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.5 – Full text search
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.4.1 – Scope of a search
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.4.2 – Selecting the scope of a search
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 3/5
Example
In the example website, users are provided with the capability to search across the entire site or specific sections.
Search Engine Optimization
Principle
The website should be listed among the top results of search engines for specific keywords.
Description
Search engine optimization (SEO) refers to the practices aimed at improving a website's visibility and ranking in search engine results. These efforts help websites achieve higher positions in natural search results. It is crucial for generating free and organic web traffic and enhances user satisfaction by making content more accessible to users.
While search engine optimization and usability are perceived as distinct disciplines, they complement each other effectively. SEO efforts focus on achieving higher rankings and increased visitor numbers through natural search results, while usability work enhances the user experience on websites, encouraging visitors to stay longer.
Guidelines
- A structure should be designed to allow access to important, non-confidential content without requiring login credentials. It's important to recognize that search engines cannot access content protected by usernames and passwords.
- The website should appear prominently in search results not only when users search by the site's name but also when they use keywords related to the services and features offered by the site.
- The title tag should contain text that best describes the page's content.
- The page summary or short description should be specified with the "description" meta tag. While this doesn't directly impact rankings, it is crucial for attracting users to click on the site in search results.
- In URL naming, the page title or expressions that help the page rank higher in search results should be used without losing the message of the page.
- To achieve higher search rankings, it is essential to receive references from other reputable websites. Having high-quality content is crucial to obtain these quality references. Contents should be user-focused and easy to understand.
- In link nomenclature, short expressions describing the linked page should be included.
- For linked images, the "alt" tag should be used to provide a text alternative that search engines can understand.
- In-site links should use short and descriptive phrases for link text. Incorporating in-site links on web pages contributes to user navigation, the creation of information architecture, and receiving more references from other websites.
- Regularly optimize pages and maintain their SEO activity.
- The website should be optimized for performance, as page performance is a critical factor for search engines.
- Regularly check and update the situation, as search engines update their algorithms periodically.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 6.11 – Identifying the website and its owner
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the example website, content on the homepage is organized to provide users with a straightforward and uncomplicated experience.
Filtering Search Results
Principle
Users should be able to filter and change the scope of search results.
Description
Filters allow large volumes of data to be sifted and narrowed down to obtain more relevant results based on criteria such as date, popularity, or alphabetical order. Depending on the structure and content of a website, various filters can be applied.
Guidelines
- Sorting or filtering options can be presented based on factors like the date of content, relevance to the search terms, frequency of content visits, or alphabetical order.
- In cases where search results are numerous and detailed, users should be provided with an option to perform a new search within the search results.
- Users should be informed that they can search within search results, and this information should be clearly and visually distinguished.
- Category-specific filtering options can be offered.
- Filters should not be restricted to a single parameter but should allow for multiple parameter selections.
- When naming filter parameters, real-world terminology should be selected.
- Filter settings can preferably be displayed in the left sidebar, considering user habits.
- Users should be able to apply filter parameters collectively after making their selections. Refreshing the page with each parameter change can be bothersome to users.
- When filtering is applied, the page can be scrolled to the area where new results are loaded based on user habits and needs.
- When filtering is applied, a loading indicator can be displayed with a slight screen darkening until new results load. The appearance of new results without any visual change on the screen can escape users' attention.
- Applied filters on results should be positioned where users can easily find them.
- Applied filters on results should be easily changeable or removable.
- Applied filters on results can be viewed either on the original filter item or collectively at the top of the page.
- Important filters can be displayed above the results list.
- Different filter combinations applied to pages should be stored in the browser history, allowing users to access previously applied filters.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.3.4 – Sorting or filtering search results
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.5.3 – Refining searches
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the sample site, search results can be filtered according to different criteria.
Displaying Search Results
Principle
Search results should be presented to users in a meaningful and relevance-based order.
Description
Searches can be considered as conversations between users and websites. Users express their needs or queries through search sentences, and websites respond with a page containing results. The result page is a vital part of the overall search experience. A well-designed result page that caters to user needs can enhance user satisfaction.
Guidelines
- The search results page should emphasize the accuracy of matched records and the relevance of the results to the query.
- The user's query should not be cleared after performing a search.
- For misspelled expressions, spelling correction suggestions should be provided.
- Users should be informed about the number of search results.
- A list of the user's most recent searches can be shown.
- If search results are displayed on a separate page, it should be evident to users that they are still within the same website.
- The first page of search results should be optimized for the best user experience, providing the most relevant page for common queries. Users tend to rarely look at the second page of search results.
- On the "No Results Found" page, users should be provided with a search box that contains the search query they entered, similar query suggestions, and spelling correction suggestions.
- The criteria by which search results are sorted (e.g., by date, relevance, title, etc.) and any filtering options should be clearly indicated.
- Considering the content of the web page, users should be able to narrow down or expand their search results.
- Search results should be shown immediately, preferably located just below the search bar, to minimize the need for a secondary click. This allows users to easily input another search query after evaluating the results.
- If there are too many parametric values in search results, users can be advised to reduce the number using filters.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.3.1 – Ordering of search results
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.3.2 – Relevance-based ranking of search results
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.3.3 – Descriptiveness of results
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the example site, suitable search results matching the keywords are not displayed.
Number of Search Results
Principle
The total number of search results should be displayed on the page where the results are shown.
Description
The volume of search results can vary significantly depending on the queried keywords. The number of search results is crucial information that needs to be provided on the result page for users. Based on this information, users can decide how much time they want to spend on the result page. Additionally, breaking down search results into pages can help users review the listed results more quickly and easily.
Guidelines
- When displaying search results on websites, the total number of results and the number of results displayed per page should be indicated.
- In cases where search result pages list a large number of results, it is recommended to extend the page vertically, taking into consideration the browser's ability to scroll up and down, rather than increasing the number of individual pages, up to about 4 or 5 screen lengths.
- In extensive searches, options for narrowing down the scope should be provided, and a progressive search improvement feature should be supported.
- In cases where a large number of results are returned, search results should be displayed on equal pages, allowing users to navigate between pages and informing users that there are filtering options to narrow down the search scope.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.4.3 – Providing feedback on the volume of the search result
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.4.4 – Handling large result sets
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 3/5
Example
On the example website, the number of search results and the number of pages are displayed.
Basic and Advanced Search
Principle
Search fields should allow for more detailed searches by narrowing down search criteria.
Description
While some users prefer using basic search techniques, others may want to utilize advanced search techniques. Therefore, the search feature on websites should be designed to cater to users who want to perform both simple and detailed searches.
Guidelines
- Advanced search options should not be presented to users by default.
- Advanced search features on websites should be provided when there is a substantial amount of content and when navigation elements are insufficient.
- On the advanced search page, explanations of search criteria and usage instructions should be included.
- Mandatory and optional fields on the advanced search page should be clearly indicated.
- If different search techniques are used in search fields on websites, this information should be shared with users.
- Users should be provided with clear and straightforward instructions on how to perform accurate searches using the keywords they enter.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.3 – Providing a simple search function
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.4 – Advanced search
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.6 – Describing the search technique used
Useful Resources
- –
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the example site, search options are provided to allow users to perform more detailed searches based on the site's purpose.
Case-Insensitive Search
Principle
Searches should not be case-sensitive.
Description
Users typically do not pay much attention to using uppercase or lowercase letters when performing searches. For this reason, many websites offer search fields that are case-insensitive to provide a better user experience.
Guidelines
- Users should be informed about the importance of case sensitivity in cases where it is crucial and distinctive.
- In the Turkish alphabet, both the lowercase "i" and the uppercase "I" should be considered, and it should be remembered that the letter code changes in case conversions. Care should be taken to ensure that the necessary technical measures are in place.
References
- –
Useful Resources
- –
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the example site, users can access the same search results regardless of whether they use lowercase or uppercase letters in their search queries, making it easier for users to perform fast and accurate searches.
Error Tolerance Search
Principle
Websites should allow error-tolerant searching, and in cases where the appropriate results cannot be found, users should be provided with search-related suggestions.
Description
Users often assume that the items they are looking for can be found on a website, and they search accordingly. In rare cases, a search is performed with the intention of not finding a record (e.g., criminal record, etc.). The messages and content provided in search results are organized considering this scenario. Users may enter their desired keywords with grammar and spelling errors, omissions, or inaccuracies. In such cases, when displaying search results for the missing or incorrectly entered words, suggesting searching with the correct word can also be recommended.
Guidelines
- It is recommended to provide guidance such as "... you can search again with..." for commonly confused or misunderstood words.
- Intelligent search (auto-suggestion) methods can recommend the correct forms of misspelled words, alternatives to words, or content and services that can be expressed differently. (For example, suggesting "SGK Service Record" for "4A Document" and so on.)
- On the "No Results Found" page, users should be provided with a search box that contains the search query they entered, similar query suggestions, and spelling correction suggestions.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.10 – Error-tolerant search
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.5.1 – Giving advice for unsuccessful searches
Useful Resources
- –
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
On the example website, suggestions are provided for searches with spelling errors, and search results for the correctly spelled word are displayed.
Page Metadata
Principle
Websites must include at least the "Description," "Keywords," and "Author" top-level metadata.
Description
Metadata consists of information that describes/explains data. In short, it can be expressed as data about data. Metadata used on web pages is not visible on the pages themselves. Browsers, search engines, and other web services use this data.
Guidelines
- The "content-type" metadata, which determines the content type and character set, should be used to ensure the proper display of language characters.
- Although not defined with a meta tag, the page title, written in the "title" tag, should be carefully determined.
- This data is essential for search engines.
- The short page description in the "description" metadata should best reflect the page content. While this data does not directly affect search engine ranking, it plays a significant role in users' preference for clicking on a site link from search results.
- In today's world, where mobile internet usage is widespread, the "viewport" metadata introduced with HTML5 should be used to provide users with a good mobile experience.
- The "keywords" metadata, which defines keywords related to the page's content, is not as crucial for search engines today as it used to be. However, if ready-made systems are used, and these words can be automatically generated, they can be preferred.
- If it is essential to determine whether links within the page should be indexed or followed by search engines, the "robots" metadata should be used.
- If a website offers content in multiple languages, the "language" metadata should be used to specify the primary language.
- In cases of various other similar themes or pages developed by transferring and reusing code from other sources, the metadata sections should not be forgotten and should be adjusted.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 6.11 – Identifying the website and its owner
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 5/5
Example
In the example, it can be seen that important metadata is used.
On-Site Search
Principle
Users should be provided with search fields within the website, and these fields should indicate which sections of the website the search covers.
Description
Search fields are particularly crucial for large-scale websites, as they facilitate navigation and access to content within the site. Users often assume that they can search the entire site using the keywords entered in the search field. When users can't access the desired page through navigation elements, they turn to search fields as a solution.
Guidelines
- Users should be able to use the search field on the page they are currently on without the need for extra clicks.
- To make the search field easily identifiable, a simple magnifying glass icon should be used. The magnifying glass icon is one of the few icons that most users recognize.
- The search field should be placed in the upper right section of the page. This is where users expect to find the search box.
- An "search" button should be provided next to the search box. Although the search process can also be executed by pressing the "Enter" key on the keyboard, some users still expect to see a search button in this area.
- The length of the search field should be appropriate, taking into account that users may input long search queries. Research shows that when the search box accommodates 27 characters, 90% of queries with all their words can be displayed within this space.
- Search fields should allow searching throughout the entire website, and if the search is limited to specific sections of the site, this information should be clearly communicated to users.
- Search fields should be designed based on the website's purpose and scope, offering different options like simple or advanced search to match users' needs and preferences.
- Synonyms and partial matches should be considered in search results.
- An auto-suggestion mechanism should be used right below the search field when users type their queries.
- For highly searched terms, special efforts can be made to enhance the results.
- Efforts should be made to handle misspelled words correctly.
- In search results, common and undifferentiating words like prepositions, conjunctions, and others (e.g., "but," "for," "and," "or," etc.) should not be taken into account during the search process.
- The search field should be accessible from all pages of the website. Users should not be forced to return to the homepage repeatedly when they want to search. However, for pages where the user's task or the content viewed does not require a search, exceptions can be made.
- Planning should be based on the assumption that the user who conducts a search on the site aims to find the word(s) or content they are looking for. When a search fails, users should be guided, and the task and the items being searched for should be presented again. In many cases, user typos can be identified and corrected by showing them on the "search failed" screen for the user to fix.
- Search results, when multiple, should be listed.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.1 – Providing a search function
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.2.2 – Providing appropriate search functions
- ISO 9241-151/ 8.5.2.7 – Availability of search
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 5/5
Example
In the sample site, there is a search field indicating that users can search within the site. In addition, it is clearly shown in which section or sections of the site the searched area is searched.
Displaying the Query with Search Results
Principle
The keywords entered into the search fields should also be displayed on the page where search results are listed.
Description
Users sometimes mistype the keywords they want to search for, or when users cannot find what they are looking for on the results page, they may want to make a new query. To allow for the correction of mistyped queries and to make it easy to perform a new search, the search field and the searched keywords should be displayed on the page where search results are listed.
Guidelines
- The keywords used for the search should also be displayed on the page where search results are shown.
- The page displaying search results should include a search field, allowing users to change the keywords or perform a new search.
References
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.4.5 – Showing the query with the results
- ISO 9241-151 / 8.5.5.2 – Repeating searches
Useful Resources
Significance Level
★★★★★ 4/5
Example
In the example website, the keywords used for the search are visible on the page displaying search results.