Principles: Search Systems
When users enter your site they may simply wish to browse information. In other cases, they'd like to use an alphabetical or chronological index. If they have a specific needs, the user may wish to conduct a key word search. Your website must be ready to accomodate each of these options.
Browsing
Browsing involves users following paths through the site to explore specific content objects. These users may not be looking for something specific. Their information needs may be less defined than a person who uses a formal search tool. For example, users might browse through the continuing education course listings at the public library.
Users may browse using a hierarchical, supplemental, or contexual approach.
Hierarchical browsing involves accessing a primary, established path. For example, a user might select the Science department, then choose Life Science. Directories are often used in this type of browsing.
Supplemental browsing involves accessing adjunct views of the site. For example, some sites provide varied types of indexes, guides, site maps, and lists patrons can use for navigation. For example, some websites provide a "what's new" section to help users find the newest entries in the site. Supplemental tools repackage content objects into a variety of guides to meet different needs.
Contextual browsing involves moving from interest to interest within content objects. For example, in the 42explore project links are provided for related projects. For example, the hurricane page provides links to other disasters such as the tornado and flood pages. Some people refer to these as "see-also" navigation.
Indexes
An index is a non-hierarchically organized resource that directs users to content objects that share a particular attribute. For example, groupings might be alphabetical or chronological.
Indexing is an important part of information architecture. It's the process of assigning attribute values to content objects. In library science, we refer to this process as cataloging and classification.
Indexing can be performed manually or automatically. For the 42explore website we do the indexing ourselves by assigning key words related to each topic.
However for complex websites, software can automate the process. Software is used to automate the index process using three methods: concept extraction, rule-governed attribute value extraction, and direct extraction.
Searching
While some users enter the system to browse, others have a very specific information need. These users enter terms into a search tool that results in the identification of content objects. The search can concentrate on one area of the website such as a content collection, or the entire website. The system can search the full text of content objects or specific attributes. For instance, users will probably search rather than browse your online catalog.
Although web developers can design their own search engines. Most small-scale developers use the tools provided by companies such as Google. These services provide sponsored tools that allow users to search your website or the general search engine.
Go to the Google Business Solutions page for more information on the services Google offers - many for FREE! You may wish use the Google Custom Search Engine.
Read the article How to Organize Your Website. Consider how the design of a website contributes to users and search engines being able to locate needed information.
Read Web Style Guide: Search Features for additional background information on search features.
Read the article Why Is My Site Not Ranking in the Search Engines? by Christopher Heng. Learn of some common reasons why your site may not show up in the search engine results.
Read Chapter 8: Search Systems in Information Architecture for the World Wide Web, 3rd edition by Peter Morville & Louis Rosenfeld.