Problem Approach:
One of the largest problems we need to address with searchme.com is the design and placement of certain preferences. Through the interview process, we found that many users were unaware of how the results could be displayed. Depending on how the search engine is being used, certain users might only want text, or prefer both text and an image preview.
Sketch Description:
To simplify confusion, I think it would be best to include a ‘results view’ option on the homepage when the user first inputs what they want to search. This can be done with three simple radio buttons below the search field. The ‘results view’ option should also be included on the side when the results are shown. This way, a user can easily tweak how the results are presented at any time in their search.
Through various interviews, I also learned that many people found the result preview image too large. I think it would also be important to make this preview image customizable, simply by dragging it larger or smaller with the mouse.
Design Rationale:
I think this type of design is very easy to use and familiar to most users. Radio buttons are very common on web pages and leave little room for confusion. Having them of both the homepage and results page also gives the user room to play around with the buttons to see what they like best. Being able to size the image preview will also bring more customization to the user, making the viewable results tailored to what the individual user finds aesthetically pleasing.
November 10, 2008 at 8:00 pm
I really liked how you decided to design the search around three different types viewing the results. With the simple graphics and text it should be very easy for a user to determine how to view their results. This is much easier then worrying about going through pages of preferences when all they wanted to do was view their results a simple way.
In addition, the idea of dragging your image preview to your liking is a great concept. It is a very simple way to make the interface more customizable.