Abstract
Mount Holyoke College students and patrons of the library were asked to view a paper mockup of a web interface showing search results. In the sidebar, a “Search within these results” box was available along with additional filters. Students were asked if they would use this feature to add additional criteria to their search.
Goal/Question
Determine if a refine search box is useful or confusing to library patrons.
Methods
- Present a paper wireframe mockup to library patrons
- Inquire if they are a student and if so graduate or undergraduate
- Inquire on a scale of 1-7 how useful the feature might be
- Request comments and/or feedback on the idea
Statistics/Data
Sample size: 10 students
Dates: 09/06/2017-09/11/2017
Campus/College: Mount Holyoke College
Contacts: Dawn Russell, Web Services and Application Development. dmrussell@mtholyoke.edu
Team:
Files Used
Outcome
Key Performance Areas
- 6 out of 10 students would find it very useful
- 1 out of 10 would find it not at all useful
- 3 out of 10 would find it neither useful or not at all useful
Comments
- A little confused by search box at first but understood as soon as she read the label.
- Would likely just edit original search. If she were to use it, recommends it be closer tot he main search box.
It’s useful if you know what you’re looking for.
- Did find two search boxes confusing, said she would just use the filters.
- (4 students) Wouldn’t be confused by two boxes as labels make their purposes clear.
Results
Out of 10 undergraduate students who are also regular patrons of the library and its website, 60% found the additional search box useful. The remaining 40% either did not find it useful or were neutral on its presence, more testing may be prudent.
- 6 out of 10 students would find it very useful
- 1 out of 10 would find it not at all useful
- 3 out of 10 would find it neither useful or not at all useful
Recommendation
If a refine search box is included in the visual interface of a search results page, designs should focus on clearly labeling the box to identify its purpose. Placement closer to the original search results may also be useful.
Action Taken
At this time, the study results are being reviewed internally by LITS staff at Mount Holyoke College to determine how to be move forward.