From 2002: BBCi Search design case-study

Case Study BBCi Search Why search is not a technology problem

me. ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Search is strategic to us. business imperative

Henley centre study: online life

Project context The “BBCi” initiative

BBCi perceptual model aimed for

technology /content context ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Business advantages of shared search ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

User advantages of shared search ,[object Object],[object Object]

Market research driven positioning ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

persona driven design ,[object Object]

use-models Where the BBC and it’s brand can provide value

use-models Hideous Assumptions Ahoy !!!!

Building taxonomy from user-centred seeds ,[object Object],[object Object]

Taxonomy tool – top level screen Top level of the hierarchical tree structure taxonomy. Shows all our subject areas plus a test node for playing around and a xyzxyz node which reflects our most popular query – nothing! i.e. "". We couldn't have an entry for nothing so we had to equate a search for no string with something to give us a node. We then had to have that node as top level node because otherwise it would inherit context from its parent.

Taxonomy tool – node level screen Shows screen for “ Question of Sport ” which has a parent - BBC programmes - and children - the presenter's names. Each node also has urls and synonyms attached. Each url has a label (title), a description, score (crude method to indicate which url is most relevant to the node). Each url has the possibility of having an expiry date which can be reviewed and the url can be archived after expiring.

Taxonomy tool – synonyms Shows a node with numerous urls attached and scored Plus numerous synonyms The children are all aspects of WW2 – often these are based on programme content on BBC TV or radio (e.g. documentary on Monte Cassino being shown, therefore people likely to enter as a search term)

UI design and testing Round and round and round…

Iterative design development ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

What we tested: paper prototypes

What we were looking for ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

“Best links” area ,[object Object],“ A site that's not to do with the BBC. Not run by them. It would be nice to see the whole name: www.NIassembly.gov.uk” User no. 4 , Pippa Key findings

“Best links” area ,[object Object],“ Don't know what they are doing there. You'd expect to just click on the words on the left and get what you want. Is it just a link to return to the BBC easily?” User no. 4 , Pippa Key findings

Zooming in ,[object Object],“ Finding the right search word is very frustrating. I think one thing, but the computer thinks differently.” User no. 4 , Pippa Key findings

Zooming in ,[object Object],“ I'd expect to be asked to be more specific. It would prompt you type in more words -- recipes? flowers? boat show? Whatever…” User no. 5, Laura Key findings

Zooming in ,[object Object],“ It would need to make you feel that you got it right, even though you weren't specific enough. It should make you feel you're on the right track.” User no. 2 , Gillian Key findings

Zooming in or stepping sideways? ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],“ See all the regions -- all the different divisions they have. Listed A-Z... Regions of Northern Ireland” User no. 1, Fred Key findings

Zooming in or stepping sideways? ,[object Object],“ I'm normally quite rushed on the web. I haven't got time to concentrate. So the specifics section should say all the main headings for the subject (Vikings). Boats, gods, battles, food… The specifics section would not help you out. It doesn't tell you that it can look for specific specifics.” User no. 3 , Emma Key findings

Stepping sideways ,[object Object],“ You'd get used to that idea of the buttons…” User no. 3 , Emma Key findings

Zooming out ,[object Object],“ Oh! I didn't think it as a search engine. Yes I know I said it would search the web. But I didn't click!” User no. 2 , Gillian Key findings

lessons learnt... post-live assessment ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

v1.5 ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

What we learnt from the post-live testing ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

Design lessons ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]

My Soylent Green Moment… Oh my God, Search IS PEOPLE!!!

Thanks! Hope it was useful/interesting… http://www.blackbeltjones.com/presentations/asist2002/

From 2002: BBCi Search design case-study

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