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May 11, 2005
Mental Models For Search Are Getting Firmer
(UseIt.Com) Deviating from this expected design almost always causes usability problems. Sites that separate out some search results and place them in boxes risk having these links overlooked because users often assume they're ads. Instead, such "best bets" should be the first items in the linear list. (Typically, users don't care that items are editorial, rather than algorithmic, selections.) Also, scoped search that covers only a current subsite often misleads users who rarely have to consider what's being searched.
Users are now forming mental models that they expect to apply across the Web, and even to their intranets. This is good. Existing knowledge of interaction techniques lets users focus on their goals, not the mechanics of operating the interface. All this breaks down, however, if your design conflicts with users' preconceived mental models. Don't commit this sin.
Continue Reading "Mental Models For Search Are Getting Firmer" at UseIt.com.
Posted by Don at May 11, 2005 11:49 AM
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