It seems like such a simple little tool, the search. Unfortunately so many sites screw it up that I tend to spend a lot of time in my Google toolbar using the site:sitename.com feature, which I've found produces far superior results more often than not.

I presume shoddy search results are due in large part to poor database and/or search algorithm programming -- which I'll leave to others to sort out -- but good interface design (and that includes presentation of both the search options before and the search results after) goes a long way in user perception of how well your search tool works.

Extremely important note: It is crucial for the programmers and designers to work together on such an endeavor -- especially in the planning and testing stages.

Some basic hard and fast rules for search interface design:

1. Search should never be buried below the scroll.
Few users will appreciate the irony of having to search for the search.

2. Search should be on every page -- and in the exact same place on every page.
Consistency and reliability are very good things. Users choose search over navigation when they feel lost or when they assume it will be the fastest, easiest way to find the information they seek. The easier you make it for either group, the more positive their overall impression of your site.

3. Search should always include an actual text input box.
For starters, if all you want to do is search, it's annoying to have to click through to another page to do it. More importantly, the input box is the visual identifier most users are scanning for when they hunt for your search. As long as you have an input box the actual placement of the search becomes less critical.

4. One search at a time, please.
If you have multiple search boxes on the page you a) force users to take the time and effort to figure out which search they want and b) take a gamble that they'll get it right. I've responded to many angry e-mails from users who couldn't find the information they sought because they were searching in the wrong search. Users do not share your intimate knowledge of your site and its content. Be very careful about assuming anything is obvious.

If you absolutely must have multiple search boxes on a page, at least place them together so users have a fighting chance at even realizing they need to make a distinction.

The rest of the process isn't so clear-cut.

Next: Recommendations for search placement

April 19, 2003