Circular Query Suggestion Interface for Touchscreen Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search engines limit query suggestions to a fixed number, do not allow users to compare search results for different suggestions easily, are not optimized for touchscreens, and do not provide a way to switch between forward and reverse query suggestions.
Innovation Solution
A system that displays query suggestions around the search query in a user interface, allowing users to select and compare suggestions by hovering over them for previewed search results, and switch between forward and reverse suggestions using gestures, optimizing interaction for touchscreens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search engines limit query suggestions to a fixed number, then the user interface remains simple and manageable, but users cannot access additional query suggestions beyond the initial set
Solution Approach 1:
The query suggestions interface transitions from a static fixed list to a dynamic circular display that responds to user gestures. Users can rotate the circular display clockwise or counter-clockwise to access different subsets of query suggestions, allowing the interface to adapt and provide additional suggestions beyond the initial view while maintaining simplicity through gesture-based interaction.
2Device complexity
If search engines display only forward query suggestions, then the suggestion system remains simple, but users cannot switch between forward and reverse query suggestions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between displaying forward query suggestions and reverse query suggestions based on user gesture direction. A clockwise gesture triggers the display of reverse suggestions (where the query is a suffix), while a counter-clockwise gesture returns to forward suggestions (where the query is a prefix), allowing versatile switching without increasing interface complexity.
3Ease of operation
If query suggestions are displayed as text strings below the search box, then they are easily selectable with a mouse, but they are not well suited for selecting with a finger or stylus on touchscreens
Solution Approach 1:
The query suggestions are transformed from a linear horizontal arrangement into a circular two-dimensional display surrounding the search box. This spatial reorganization creates larger touch targets arranged in a circle, making them more suitable for finger and stylus selection on touchscreens while maintaining accessibility through gesture-based navigation.
4Device complexity
If users must submit each query suggestion separately to compare search results, then the search process remains simple, but users cannot efficiently compare results across multiple suggestions
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the query suggestion display with search result preview functionality. When a user gestures to select a query suggestion, the search results for that suggestion are displayed within the same interface alongside other suggestions, allowing users to compare multiple result sets simultaneously without repeatedly submitting queries, thus improving productivity while maintaining interface simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A user enters a query into an element of a user interface. Query suggestions that are based on the query are displayed around the query in the user interface. Each of the query suggestions is displayed in an element of the user interface that indicates a rank of the query suggestion to the user. When the user holds or hovers over a particular element of the user interface, a pop-up window is displayed with the search results that are responsive to the query or query suggestion that is associated with the element, allowing the user to compare the query and the query suggestions. In addition, the user may rotate the elements associated with the query suggestions displayed around the element associated with the query in the user interface to indicate that they would like to receive additional or different query suggestions.