Search Result Visualization for Query Refinement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users performing keyword searches lack an intuitive understanding of how different terms or searches impact search results, as they must enter terms without prior knowledge of their relationships to the search outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that visualizes search results by depicting terms of interest outside a search result area, allowing users to select and interact with these terms to perform logical operations (OR, AND, NOT) with prior search terms, thereby illustrating the impact on search results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If users perform keyword searches without prior knowledge of term relationships, then search queries can be executed quickly, but users lack intuitive understanding of how terms impact search results
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of search results to identify correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values before the user submits their query. This pre-computed information is then displayed to help users understand term relationships and make informed decisions about their searches, eliminating the need for trial-and-error searching while maintaining quick execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback showing correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values based on the user's search query. This feedback loop allows users to see how different terms relate to search results and adjust their queries accordingly, transforming the one-way search process into an interactive exploration that builds user understanding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users manually enter search terms without guidance, then search flexibility is maintained, but users cannot predict how terms will affect search outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-computes and displays correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values before users finalize their search queries. This allows users to see potential term relationships and predictions about search outcomes in advance, enabling them to make informed decisions while maintaining the flexibility to customize their queries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary between the user's search intent and the search engine by providing curated lists of correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values. These intermediaries guide users in constructing effective queries without restricting their flexibility, bridging the gap between user knowledge and search optimization.
3Productivity
If only basic search results are displayed, then result generation is simple and fast, but users cannot easily compare differences between prior and current searches
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments search results into distinct categories: correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values. Each segment serves a specific analytical purpose, allowing users to compare differences between prior and current searches by examining specific term categories rather than overwhelming them with undifferentiated results. This segmentation maintains fast generation while enabling detailed comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to search results by displaying correlated terms, high frequency terms, synonyms, and facet values alongside traditional search results. This multi-dimensional presentation allows users to compare searches not just by result count but by term relationships, frequency patterns, and conceptual connections, transforming one-dimensional result lists into rich comparative analyses.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for improving the quality of subsequent searches. A request is received from a user to perform a search using the term(s) provided by the user. A search is then performed using the provided term(s). A representation of the search result is depicted as an area (e.g., bubble) with terms of interest displayed outside the area. The area represents a set of documents that were found in the performed search and the terms of interest represent terms that may be of interest to the user based on this set of documents. These terms of interest may be selected by the user to adjust the search result. In this manner, the user is presented with an intuitive view as to how different terms or different searches will have an impact on the search results thereby improving the quality of subsequent searches.