Websites with a lot of content and various types of content need a search system. In fact, I argue many content-heavy websites are sometimes better off with a more prominent search system than the navigation itself.
That may sound radical to some, but it’s quite necessary on many sites that have a continuous flow of content, such as a news website. Imagine a news website with a homepage that’s literally just a search bar — or even a store website, etc. There are benefits to browsing organized labels and navigation systems, but if you have an idea of what you are looking for, then you’ll be happier just to use a search system.
As for the perspective of designers, content producers and developers, if you know the majority of your site’s traffic is users who are entering the website from Google (or a social site such as Facebook) and those users are landing on a product page or specific article page, then why not treat your website as a mini search engine within the bigger search engine (Google) — ? New users aren’t likely to enter the site from the homepage anyway. If they do, they likely already have in mind what item they are looking for.
Sites with large databases of content — such as the Library of Congress — will always need their own search systems. Any type of library website will need such. Users on these websites are hunting for specific items of content which they know are buried among a vault of other types of content. It’s easier to search and not worry about browsing an endless amount of pages.
I have worked on large websites (websites with a lot of content) which have such terrible search systems that it’s actually easier to search for the website’s content on Google. I imagine this isn’t a unique situation, but it’s very depressing knowing your users are likely to bounce off your site to go back to Google for their content hunt, knowing you have the content they are looking for but you can’t offer them a better way to find it than Google can — you better hope you know your SEO.
Mini search engines
I believe sites with good search systems will be able to retain more users and create a better experience overall. As stated, we’re building mini search engines within the bigger one. We’re helping people filter through content.
Take a look at the Library of Congress:
I’ve used this website a lot for old file photos and such. But I have never once started my search for something on this at another place other than that search bar at the top. The Library of Congress has offered a way to refine searches, too, before the user even executes the search — take a look at the dropdown:
I believe more websites should be putting a bigger emphasis on search systems, especially when it’s obvious users will be overwhelmed by browsing.
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