Search Result Command Suggestions for Mobile Web Browsers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of mobile web browsers must repeatedly locate and select previously chosen commands to launch external applications after submitting similar search queries, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that remembers a user's previous selections of commands to launch external applications and displays them as suggestions in search results when the same or similar search queries are re-submitted, allowing immediate execution of the actions without needing to reload previous web pages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users repeatedly submit similar search queries to find the same external application commands, then the search functionality remains reliable, but user time and operational efficiency deteriorate due to having to re-locate and re-select commands
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically storing the selected external application command and its associated web page information when a user selects a command from search results. When the same or similar search query is submitted again, the pre-stored command is automatically retrieved and presented to the user, eliminating the need to re-locate and re-select the same command, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining search reliability and reducing repetitive user time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the previously selected external application command and stores it in memory associated with the search query history. When the same search query is submitted, the system retrieves and presents this copied command information rather than requiring the user to re-perform the entire search and selection process, thereby maintaining search functionality while significantly reducing user time expenditure
2Ease of operation
If users must re-navigate to previous web pages to access previously selected commands, then web page navigation remains functional, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the essential information needed to launch the external application command (such as the command identifier, web page URL, and search query) and stores it separately in memory. When the same search query is submitted, the system retrieves this extracted information and presents it directly in the search results, eliminating the need for users to re-navigate through web pages to find the same command, thus simplifying operations while maintaining web navigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that stores and retrieves the association between search queries, web pages, and external application commands. This intermediary storage layer acts as a buffer between the user and the web page navigation system, allowing users to access previously selected commands directly through the search interface without requiring re-navigation to the original web pages, thereby reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for suggesting in search results an action that is to be performed in an external application based on a previous search query are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving, from an application on a device, a search query that was previously submitted by a user or another user, and providing, as a result of the search query, an interface to perform an action to launch an external application on the device, wherein the action was previously selected by the user or the other user in response to previous results of the search query. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.