Interactive Query Completion Templates for Search Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often face challenges in formulating accurate search queries due to unfamiliarity with search query constructs, keywords, and syntax, leading to irrelevant search results, requiring multiple queries to find relevant information.
Innovation Solution
An interactive query completion template is provided, which includes a user-editable field that assists users in constructing search queries by suggesting relevant terms and formats for specific categories of information, such as language translation, stock prices, or weather information, allowing users to quickly create meaningful search queries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users enter general or ambiguous query terms due to unfamiliarity with search syntax, then the search interface remains simple and accessible, but the search results become irrelevant to the user's actual information need
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and presenting structured query templates with relevant keywords and syntax before the user submits their search. The template includes pre-filled fields and suggestions based on the user's partial input, preparing a refined query structure in advance to improve search accuracy without requiring the user to learn complex search syntax
Solution Approach 2:
The query completion template acts as an intermediary between the user's simple input and the search engine's requirements. It translates ambiguous user intent into structured, syntax-correct queries by providing template options with proper formatting, keywords, and field structures, thereby mediating the gap between user capability and search effectiveness
2Reliability
If users enter multiple different queries to find relevant information, then the search engine can potentially find relevant results, but the user spends excessive time and effort formulating and submitting multiple queries
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by generating multiple query template options simultaneously based on the user's partial input. Instead of requiring the user to iteratively formulate and test multiple queries, the system pre-computes several structured template options with different search angles and syntax structures, allowing the user to select the most appropriate one in a single action
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by providing a subset of relevant query templates rather than all possible query variations. It generates enough template options to cover the most likely information needs based on the partial input, providing sufficient choice without overwhelming the user, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the query completion template includes multiple editable fields and options, then the template provides comprehensive search capabilities, but the template complexity increases making it harder for users to use
Solution Approach 1:
The complex query template is segmented into distinct, clearly labeled fields and sections. Each field represents a specific search component (keywords, filters, operators) and can be independently edited or left default. This segmentation breaks down the complexity into manageable units while maintaining comprehensive search capabilities across different information categories
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the template have different levels of interactivity and complexity tailored to their specific function. Frequently used fields are simplified with auto-completion and default values, while advanced options are available but not mandatory. This local quality optimization ensures versatility where needed while maintaining ease of use in standard scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus are described herein that includes identifying a partial query entered into a search field. A query completion template is then provided for display for a category of information associated with one or more terms within the partial query, the query completion template including an interactive field that is user editable. User interaction with the interactive field is the identified. Display of the query completion template is then updated to include the results of the user interaction within the interactive of the query completion template. User selection of the updated query completion template is then identified, and in response the updated display of the query completion template is transmitted as a search query.