• The simple search field - just a field and a search button

More Search Options

• Search Forms

• Make sure they contain the site look and feel, including navigation elements

  • National Gallery of Art * (advanced search page, Phantom)

  • Sonic Youth Discography * (WebGlimpse)

• Design for the site audience (kids vs. librarians vs. car-buyers)

  • KidZone Search *

• Express possibilities of the search

  • Boolean AND and OR at the least

    • ORB * (Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies, Phantom)
      This page has options, but is missing site look and feel, navigation, even a descriptive title!

  • Proximity and phrase searching are very useful

    • Neuroscience for Kids * (WebGlimpse)

  • Date-range searching for time-sensitive info

    • Center for Army Lessons Learned (local copy) - you can specify the date range

  • Limit search to specified zones

    • Microsoft * - search support but not sales

    • WebReview * - (many, many options)

• Tips and help - on the search page

  • Georgia Tech * (using Ultraseek (now Inktomi Search Software))

• Balance features and simplicity

  • Simple vs. Advanced Search

  • Don't add everything just because you can!

Previous | Next | Contents

Thunderlizard Web Design World
Seattle, July 19, 1999

Avi Rappoport: Search Tools Consulting
www.searchtools.com