Search engines that focus specifically on the needs of end

users

User centered search

• Help the user in a limited way• Only search what the user types in• Give long lists with textual links• Give only exact matches• Do not think about what the user

is really looking for

Traditional search engines…

• Is more user friendly• Gives results adapted to user needs and situation• Gives personalized search results• Provides search results in a visual and/or easy to use

format• Helps the user to find what he is really looking for

User centered search…

Trends in search

3. Guided search 4. Contextual information

2. App integration1. Visual search

• Show photos of search items/products• Visual structuring of information by color, shape and

text• Easy to scan and recognize items

Trend 1: Visual search

• Direct or integrated access to relevant apps or tools• Combining information from apps to give richer and

more relevant search results• Information in one place

Trend 2: App integration

• Guides the user by showing results that are related to their search results

• Guidance by visually displayed terms

• Stimulates the user to click around• Lets the user think of search terms

he was looking for but could not remind

Trend 3: Guided search

• Personalized information based on:• Location• Time• Friends• Previous searches• Preferences• Other data available

• Quicker and more relevant results

• Makes it possible to give results the user is really looking for

Trend 4: Contextual information

Idea: “To do something different from traditional search”

+ Provides users with related and most common topics based on their search term

+ Provides users with results they are looking for, but not always aware of

+ Guides users in the right direction

+ Guides users visually

Easier, quicker and more fun to use

Example: Pinterest guided search

Guided search

+ Shows results that are most relevant+ Based on your own profile data

+ Location+ Gender, age, education+ Friends+ Likes

+ Helps to find the user something he doesn’t know he is looking for

Easily find what/whom you’re looking for

Example: Auto-complete by Facebook

Visual search

Contextual information

Idea: “An intelligent layer over the Internet that helps you get things done. Search, browse, and share in one place.”

+ Search results are adapted to contextual information, such as location and friends

+ Integrates available apps+ Easier scanning and selecting of

results by visual search results+ Search cards can be saved and

shared

Contextual search that gives the right information all in one place

Example: Contextual search by Vurb

Visual search

Contextual information

App integration

Idea: “The right information on the right moment”

+ Becomes a personal assistant by planning next steps (route planning, make reservations, open apps)

+ Search results are adapted to personal preferences and information and your current situation

+ Search results based on time and location

Personal search assistant that helpsto manage, search and organizeinformation

Example: Google Now

Visual search

Contextual information

App integration

It inspires and guides the user

It is fun to use!

Why have user centered search?

Lets the user finds what he is looking for

(and what he doesn’t know he is looking for)

Gives personalized and relevant information

Visit www.GriDD.nl or call 053-4800499

GriDD can help you to make your search engine more user

centered. Want to know more?

Sources / further reading

Title Source

Guided Search. A new way to find what you’re looking for

View online

Pinterest Launches Exploration-Focused Guided Search And Reveals Custom Categories For Mobile

View online

Vurb contextual search engine blows away those stupid lists of links

View online

Google Now for Android updated to alert you of nearby stores with products you’ve searched for

View online