Crafting an intuitive search system for furniture shoppers: Insights and implementation
The project
The requirement was to build an intuitive search system for shoppers to buy furniture by exploring the current search systems used by various companies in the market.
The project for Brosa was a remarkable journey of research and design. During the implementation phase, Brosa transitioned and was acquired by Kogan. Although the project did not come to fruition, the experience and insights gained were invaluable and continue to inspire future endeavours.
Summary
In this project, I was tasked with creating a more intuitive search system for furniture shoppers. I began by analysing the search functionalities of several major furniture websites, like Harvey Norman, Made, and CB2. I compared features such as search bar visibility, autocomplete suggestions, typo handling, and the presentation of search results. Many sites had inconsistent search experiences, lacked robust filtering options, and often failed to handle misspelt queries effectively.
I also noticed that some sites offered rich search results with images and prices, while others did not save recent searches or provide actionable no-results pages. One key mistake was underestimating the complexity of federated search, which pulls results from multiple sources. Initially, I focused too much on visual design and less on user functionality.
To solve these issues, the final design balanced aesthetic elements with practical features like real-time results, convenient filters, and a consistent search bar position. This approach led to a much-improved user experience where shoppers could easily find and purchase furniture.
Search statistics
Site search is 1.8x more effective at producing conversions.
In studies, 15% of total visitors used site search, but these visitors accounted for 45% of all revenue.
84% of customers want to solve their problems using search engines
As many as 68% of shoppers would not return to a site that provided a poor search experience.
Nearly 84% of companies don’t actively optimise or measure their on-site search.
52% of web traffic worldwide is mobile
50% of search queries are four words or longer
Source: AddSearch
From analysis to implementation: Crafting an effective furniture search experience
Analysing Market Leaders for Search System Insights: To create an intuitive search system for furniture shoppers, I began by analysing the existing search functionalities of several major furniture websites, such as Harvey Norman, Made, and CB2. This involved a detailed review of how these websites implemented their search bars, including their placement, visibility, and overall usability. By benchmarking these sites, I was able to identify industry standards and best practices that could inform the design of our new search system.
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses in Current Solutions: In comparing features like search bar visibility, autocomplete suggestions, typo handling, and the presentation of search results, I noticed significant variations in how effectively each site catered to user needs. For instance, some sites had highly visible search bars that encouraged usage, while others had poorly placed bars that were easy to overlook. Autocomplete suggestions varied in accuracy and helpfulness, and some sites failed to handle misspelt queries altogether. This comparative analysis highlighted the strengths we could emulate and the weaknesses we needed to avoid.
Uncovering User Pain Points in Search Experiences: Many sites had inconsistent search experiences, lacked robust filtering options, and often failed to handle misspelt queries effectively. For example, several websites did not offer immediate feedback when users typed their queries, leading to a less engaging experience. Additionally, filtering options were too complex or too limited, making it difficult for users to narrow their search results effectively. By identifying these pain points, I could focus on improving these areas in our design.
Addressing Initial Design Challenge: One key challenge was managing the complexity of federated search, which pulls results from multiple sources. My initial designs focused too heavily on visual appeal rather than functional usability. This oversight became apparent during user testing, where participants struggled with the system's lack of practical features. To solve this issue, I prioritised functionality alongside aesthetics in the search system design, ensuring a balanced approach that addressed both user needs and visual appeal.
Balancing Aesthetic Design with User Functionality: In this project, I addressed the importance of balancing aesthetic elements with practical features like real-time results, convenient filters, and a consistent search bar position. While a clean, minimalistic design is visually appealing, it must include essential features such as typo correction and autocomplete suggestions to enhance user experience. By integrating these elements, the final design provided users with a seamless and intuitive search experience.
Delivering a Comprehensive User-Centric Search Solution: The final design enhanced the user experience so shoppers could easily find and purchase furniture. This was achieved by effectively implementing typo correction, popular searches, category listings, FAQ search, robust filtering options, real-time search results, and a consistent, prominent search bar. Additionally, the system's ability to save recent and popular searches and offer actionable no-results pages helped prevent user frustration and improved overall satisfaction. The project successfully addressed the initial requirements and delivered a user-centric solution that stands out in the competitive market.
Key takeaways: From initial oversights to user-centric solutions
Solving Initial Oversights: A significant challenge in this project was the initial underestimation of the complexity involved in federated search systems. Initially, the focus was on creating an aesthetically pleasing interface. However, this resulted in overlooking crucial practical features such as robust filtering options and real-time results. To solve this, a balanced focus on both visual appeal and functional usability was adopted. This ensured that the final design not only looked good but also catered to the users' practical needs effectively.
Emphasising User Testing: User testing played a critical role in identifying flaws in the initial design, particularly concerning usability and handling of search queries. Participants found the system less intuitive than expected. To address this, more frequent and iterative user testing phases were incorporated. This approach allowed for early detection and resolution of issues, ultimately leading to a more intuitive and user-friendly system.
Enhancing Autocomplete and Typo Handling: The project highlighted the importance of effective autocomplete suggestions and typo handling. Initially, the system did not adequately address misspelt queries, causing user frustration. To resolve this, advanced algorithms for typo correction and more intuitive autocomplete features were implemented. These enhancements guided users toward relevant results more efficiently, significantly improving their experience.
Implementing Comprehensive Filtering: The initial design lacked a robust filtering system, which is essential for a seamless search experience. Recognising this need, a comprehensive filtering system was prioritised and thoroughly tested early in the project. This allowed users to refine their searches quickly and accurately, ensuring the system met user needs effectively.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The project underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Design thinking is inherently iterative, and it was crucial to be open to feedback and ready to pivot based on user insights. A more flexible project framework was established, allowing for ongoing adjustments and improvements based on real-world use and feedback.
Balancing Aesthetic and Practical Elements: While a clean, minimalistic design is vital, it must not come at the expense of functionality. This project underscored the need to balance aesthetics with practical features. Future designs will integrate these elements more effectively, providing visually appealing and highly functional user experiences.
Final Reflections
Overall, this project was a valuable learning experience. It highlighted key areas for improvement in search system design and addressed initial oversights, prioritising user feedback, enhancing functional features, and balancing aesthetic and practical elements. These takeaways have significantly contributed to building a better search system, and I am confident in applying these insights to create more effective and user-friendly solutions.
Author: Mugs (Mugunthan Balakrishnan)