Review of an Existing Search System

Assignment Brief

Review of an Existing Search System

Introduction

People use search or Information Retrieval (IR) technologies in different ways and within different contexts for locating relevant information. Most websites and information services include functionalities to assist end users with searching for and browsing information (e.g. IR systems, facets, etc.). These, combined with effective information architecture design, can support information finding.

The aim of this coursework is for you to investigate the features provided by a specific website to support users with finding information through searching, i.e. for the kind of information seeking where the starting point is formulating a query. Systems provide various features to assist users with the search process, such as articulating their needs, formulating and refining queries, examining search results, and browsing. Further details of search systems and user interfaces can be found in textbooks by Hearst (2009), Wilson, (2011), etc. Users interact with search system functionalities whilst engaged in various tasks, ranging from identifying known-items, through subject searches to more exploratory forms of searching.

This coursework requires you to carry out a form of ‘expert’ assessment of the search functionalities provided by one of a selection of websites. You will consider how well the search system meets the needs of its users undertaking their typical search tasks. You will also review and critically assess how well the system enables users to retrieve information items

More specifically, this coursework requires that you do the following:

• Select a website/search system from the list provided (2.1).
• Consider who the users of your chosen system might be, and describe their typical information needs (2.1).
• Select two different types of search task. For each one, develop one or more scenarios to illustrate why users use your chosen search system (2.2).
• Investigate the selected system in detail and describe the range of functionalities it provides to support users as they search for information (2.3).
• Assess retrieval effectiveness for a set of typical search queries (2.4).
• Conduct a heuristic evaluation to assess the usability of the search user interface (2.5).
• Based upon the assessment carried out in the previous sections, make recommendations for improvements that could be made to the search system and search user interface (2.6).

Each of these steps will be described in more detail in the following sections. You must write up your review in the form of a 3,000 word structured report

Sample Answer

Review of an Existing Search System: Amazon.com

Introduction

Search technologies are central to the way users locate relevant information in digital environments. Information Retrieval (IR) systems on websites facilitate the discovery of content by enabling users to articulate their information needs, formulate queries, refine search terms, and evaluate results. Effective information architecture and search system functionalities enhance user satisfaction and efficiency in retrieving information. This report critically evaluates the search system on Amazon.com, a leading e-commerce platform, assessing its features, user interface, and retrieval effectiveness. The review includes scenario-based task analysis, heuristic evaluation, and recommendations for improving both the search functionalities and the user experience.

Users and Their Information Needs

Amazon.com serves a diverse range of users, from casual shoppers seeking specific products to professional buyers comparing prices or features. Typical users include consumers looking for household items, technology enthusiasts seeking the latest gadgets, and book buyers researching titles or authors. Users’ information needs vary in complexity: some seek known items such as a particular book, while others conduct exploratory searches to discover new products within a category. The search system must accommodate these varying needs, providing both precision for exact queries and support for browsing and exploration.

Search Tasks and Scenarios

Two types of search tasks were selected to illustrate the user interaction with Amazon’s system. The first task is a known-item search, where a user searches for a specific product, for example, “Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.” The scenario involves a user seeking to purchase this exact model quickly and efficiently. The second task is an exploratory search, such as browsing options for “home office desks under £200.” This scenario represents a user seeking general information, comparing features, prices, and user reviews before making a decision. These tasks highlight the need for both precise retrieval and supportive browsing features within the search system.

Search System Functionalities

Amazon’s search system provides an extensive range of functionalities to support users. The search bar includes auto-suggestions, spelling corrections, and predictive text to assist in query formulation. Filters and facets enable users to refine results based on price, brand, ratings, and delivery options. The system also incorporates a relevance ranking algorithm that prioritises products based on historical purchasing trends, user ratings, and keyword matches. Browsing features such as category navigation, recommendations, and “customers also bought” lists support exploratory search, encouraging users to discover related products. Additionally, the search results page includes images, prices, ratings, and brief descriptions to facilitate quick evaluation.

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