Survey: What filters would you like for 🔍 search?

[Snowbird]

@Pasanna

I feel like the language button is a form of ‘filter’ so to have it separated from the other things called ‘filter’ is a bit weird.

Yeah, I’ve also thought it was a little strange. It’s really more like “settings” (which is only one type of setting at the moment) and “documentation” explaining ways you can modify the search (which is really just filters at this point). They are exclusive from (to?) each other because you can’t currently add the parameters in the language check boxes into the search field.

But, I do like having those languages as something that stays selected and then sits in the background. The chances of me, for example, waking up one morning and wanting to include documents translated into something other than English is close to zero. So I don’t want to have to add in language:english every time. It’s bad enough that I have to add in:pali.

@Pasanna

What we are talking about is ‘advanced search’ and then various subcategories of advanced search.

Well, unlike Google, if we couldn’t limit by document language the search would be drastically less useful. So I don’t really see that part of the search as advanced.

Now that I think about it, Google is kind of funny… Everything you can do with “Advanced” search is available just by typing it into the search bar. When you actually go to what they call “Advanced search” It’s really just training wheels to give you access to things already available in the “main” search.

@Pasanna

I do prefer the ‘translate’ icon, but still think this gives the impression that it is about site settings, rather than filtering the texts searched.

What do you think about the page with magnifying lens? I agree with Ven. @sabbamitta that in its own way it closely resembles “documents searched in”

@Pasanna

I think I have a problem in general with the layout of SC

I agree it’s not perfect. I’m not happy with the icons being so far to the right that they almost become invisible. I’m especially not keen on the “parallels” label because most of what is under it has nothing to do with parallels.

But all that is worth a new thread.

The problem with the Advanced search drop downs is that it’s not as accessible (for the visually impaired). Although it does make those options easier to find.

I think for the sake of this thread, unless it’s proposing a very different way that filters should work (or simple things like a better icon), it’s best to concentrate on the functionality rather than the UI so much.

I really appreciate your insights Ven. @Pasanna.