[IxDA Discuss] Designing complex search pages

[Austin Govella]

On 8/1/06, SPatrick at amig.com <SPatrick at amig.com> wrote:
> I am seeking a solution to a complex search page.  I have several ideas,
> but I wonder if there is an industry standard to presenting the
> information.
>
> The search fields are: Line of Business, Year, Make, Model.
>
> Line of Business: Required
> Also, one of the following combinations is required:
> Year & Make
> Year & Model
> Make & Model

Susan,

This is a faceted search. Google for best practices:
* http://www.google.com/search?q=faceted+search+best+practices

Since the facets (year, make, and model) are reasonably limited
collections, I think the biggest problem to solve will be whether to
use text input fields, select boxes, or text inputs with type
ahead/suggest.

Once you've picked a direction, I'd be curious to hear back on why you
chose one over the other.



HTH,
-- 
Austin Govella
Thinking & Making: IA, UX, and IxD
http://thinkingandmaking.com
austin.govella at gmail.com