Content sites live or die on the quality of their search features, yet some of the “best” Web sites have some of the worst search experiences. In this report, we deconstruct ten examples of content search to figure out the good and bad search practices for today’s content sites.
The report provides a feature-by-feature best-practices guide to use as a design reference when developing the search experience on your site. When implementing a feature, you can easily look up how it’s been done across a range of sites.
In this report, you get:
- An inventory of search engines from 10 massive content Web sites, including Microsoft, Apple, NASA, and the CDC
- Detailed best practices for the 40 most important features including query input, results layout, relevance, and results navigation
- 8 immediate actions you can take to get search under control
- Ideal wireframes that embody the best of our best practice recommendations
See the Introduction and Table of Contents (PDF, 84k) »
Author Jeffrey Veen is known for his expertise in search. He launched HotWired.com in 1994 and served as executive interface director for Wired digital, where he managed the look and feel of the HotBot search engine, as well as HotWired, Wired News, and other acclaimed sites. He is an internationally sought-after speaker, author, and user experience consultant. He is the author of The Art & Science of Web Design and HotWired Style. His work has appeared in Wired, Wired News, New Architect, Digital Web, A List Apart, Web Egg, and Stating the Obvious.
Author Darcy DiNucci is an information architect and content strategist. She has developed Web site strategies since 1994 for clients such as Bank of America, Netscape Communications, PeopleSoft, and McKesson Corporation, and with agencies such as Adaptive Path, Hot Studio, MetaDesign, and Small Pond Studio. She is the author of Elements of Web Design, Adobe Master Class: Web Site Redesigns, and Flash Interface Design and was a columnist on Web design for MacWEEK and Print magazines.
