Faceted Search Query Builder for Mobile Text Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Text entry on mobile devices is awkward and time-consuming due to size constraints, which limit the availability of standard keys, making it difficult to construct and modify search queries efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a scoped or faceted search query builder that allows users to select from pre-defined categories, facets, and facet values, reducing the number of user input actions required to construct and modify search queries, while enabling the addition of custom search terms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users type search queries manually on mobile devices, then they can enter any search terms desired, but the process is time-consuming and awkward due to limited keyboard keys
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-constructs search queries by selecting from predefined categories, facets, and facet values before the user needs to search. This preliminary action reduces the time and effort required for query construction by providing ready-made query options that users can select with minimal input actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The query construction process is segmented into discrete components: categories, facets, and facet values. Users can select from these pre-divided components rather than typing entire queries, reducing the number of input actions required while maintaining flexibility in query formulation.
2Productivity
If users select from predefined categories and facets, then the number of input actions is reduced, but the flexibility to enter custom search terms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the efficiency of predefined query components with the flexibility of custom text input. Users can combine selected categories, facets, and facet values with their own custom search terms in a unified query interface, achieving both productivity improvement and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The query builder interface acts as an intermediary between the user's search needs and the search engine. It provides predefined structures that simplify query construction while allowing users to inject custom terms, thus mediating between efficiency and flexibility requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If mobile devices have limited keyboard keys, then device size is reduced, but text entry becomes awkward and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to type queries character-by-character on a small keyboard, the system provides visual or tactile representations of common query structures (categories, facets, facet values) that can be selected with minimal input actions, effectively copying the functionality of a full keyboard with fewer physical keys.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for creating and modifying search queries. A query can be constructed by allowing a user to select from categories, facets, and/or facet values for addition to a query. A user can optionally supplement the categories, facets, and/or facet values with additional search terms entered by the user. The constructed query can then be submitted to a search engine to identify documents that match the search query. The systems and methods can allow a user to construct a search query using a reduced number of user input actions while still providing a user with the flexibility to enter any search terms desired by the user.