Why search systems fail without semantics

Discussing Stupid: A byte-sized podcast on stupid UX

In Episode 4 of Discussing Stupid, host Virgil Carroll and co-host Cole Schlotthauer from High Monkey dive into the complex world of search systems and the importance of semantics in delivering relevant results. This episode explores the frustrations users often face when search systems fail to recognize variations in spelling, synonyms, and context, which can drastically impact user experience.

Virgil and Cole discuss common issues with search systems, such as treating every search term the same and ignoring common phrases and alternative names. They share real-world examples, like a bank where users searched for one name in numerous ways, illustrating the need for search systems to recognize and account for these variations. The team also emphasizes that improving search functionality requires more than just turning it on—it involves continuous work, testing, and understanding of user behavior.

To wrap up, Virgil highlights best practices, including using “push search” technology to guide users to the right results and leveraging search analytics to understand how people are searching. By the end of the episode, listeners will gain practical insights into making search more intuitive and user-friendly.

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(0:00) - Intro

(1:26) - A lot of search systems suck

(1:57) - Search needs semantics

(3:04) - Search with VS without semantics

(4:48) - When AB&T meets AB and T

(6:14) - The English language is funny

(8:00) - The power of curated results

(10:50) - Virgil's biggest piece of advice

(12:41) - Outro

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