The document discusses a multi-phased usability study focusing on the redesign of faceted navigation systems, specifically addressing the challenges of implementing advanced multi-select functionality for large datasets. It highlights various visual options, user precision versus ease, and management of numerous attributes in navigation design. The key takeaway emphasizes the importance of balancing user experience with clarity and ease of use in faceted navigation.

1. Better Faceted Navigation: Advanced Design TechniquesMike MadaioApril 8, 2010IA Summit

2. What we’re going to do todayMulti-phased usability study of our Faceted Navigation redesignReview challenges we faced implementing advanced faceted nav for a large datasetSpecific focus on multi-select functionalityShare how we overcame these challenges2

3. The Basics3

4. Definitions4Faceted NavigationAllows users to define taxonomy on the fly instead of following a predetermined orderFacet or AttributeThe grouping (Variety, Country)ValueCabernet, Merlot

5. Multi-SelectThe ability to select more than one value within an attributeFor example: Attribute = Memory Values = 1GB, 2GB, 3GB5

6. 6

7. The Challenges7

8. Visual Options

9. Visual Options Traditional Single-Select Nav is a text linkMulti-select introduces a layer of UI complexityDesigners are finding other ways to display information9

10. Checkboxes Have become the standard

11. Testing showed no difference in customer performance Aesthetically pleasing10

12. Slider - Endless11

13. Slider - Kayak12

14. Visual Nav - Sears13

15. Visual Nav - Endless14

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17. 16

18. Visual OptionsRetains interaction paradigmRequires the same (or less) cognitive effortLooks nice17

19. Precision vs. EaseHow much precision do users need?18

20. Managing Large amounts of attributes (categories)

21. Accordians

22. Challenge 2: Managing Large amounts of attribute values

23. Endless22

24. eBay23

25. eBay24

26. Scrolling Box vs OverlayPerformance was equivalent for both optionsOverlay allows for highlighting of certain values on the original page25

27. Choices can be hidden…26

28. … or grayed out27

29. 28

30. Gray out Problems

31. Challenge 4: Page Transitions

32. eBay31

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35. Actual User Behavior34

36. Overall RecapProvide clear feedbackHighlight frequently used featuresBalance precision with ease of useRemember that the “product” is the focus35

37. Other issues to considerTranslating data from database into customer-facing values What order should attributes and values be in?What level of the hierarchy to expose each attribute?… and on and on36

38. Questions?Sites Referenced:QVCEndlessDellDSWSears/KmarteBayStaplesMaytagMarriottKayak37Mike MadaioMikeMadaio.com@mjmadaio