On the results page, provide visible feedback about the search performed and provide the ability to easily modify or refine the search
- A good way to do both of the above together is by :
- Providing a text box that contains the full search query in it so it can be modified by typing directly
- Associating the text box clearly with the results displayed
Provide the most appropriate default order for the results and permit people to change the sort order to match their needs
- Provide ‘sort by’ controls or obviously clickable table headers
- Ensure the current sort in operation is clearly indicated
Indicate how many results were returned by the search
Provide appropriate pagination controls to go beyond the first screen of results
Present a clear title for each individual result and make the title a link that is easily recognisable as a link to the page or item
Present supporting information to assist people to make better choices between the returned results – this may be a combination of the following:
- A description of each returned item
- An extract from each item that contains the searched for terms
- Ideally the search terms are emphasised visually in the extract
- Information about important facets or attributes of each item, for example:
- The category or section to which it belongs
- The date
- The author
- Subject tags or keywords associated with the item