Search experiment - Research report | Heuristics | Features | Desired outcomes

1

"It takes forever to find specific files when I have thousands to look through. Can't I filter these somehow?"

I need this solved so that I can efficiently locate specific files amidst a large collection.

Because solving this will make me feel more organized and less frustrated.

Managing and locating files in a large and complex storage environment.

Visibility of system status

4

Provide clear, real-time updates on file locations and status within the system.

Filter builder for files and folders

2

"I'm looking for a document with a specific phrase, but the search shows too many irrelevant results."

I need this solved so that I can quickly find documents containing specific phrases.

Because solving this will make me feel more efficient and less overwhelmed.

Difficulty in retrieving relevant files in large datasets with varied file naming conventions.

Match between system and the real world

3

Implement a more intuitive and flexible file naming and search system that can handle variations in naming conventions.

Advanced search with exact matching

3

"Sometimes I remember only part of a file name or content, and I wish I could find files based on that incomplete info."

I need this solved so that I can find files even with partial information.

Because solving this will make me feel relieved and competent.

Inability to find files when the exact search term is not known or variably phrased.

User control and freedom

3

Offer advanced search options that allow for partial matches, synonyms, and related terms.

Search term flexibility (loose matching)

4

"I need to narrow down my search to include several key terms, not just one."

I need this solved so that I can refine searches to be more specific and relevant.

Because solving this will make me feel in control and satisfied.

Challenge in refining search results to find highly specific documents or files.

Flexibility and efficiency of use

4

Develop advanced filtering options to allow users to narrow down search results effectively.

Option to add multiple search terms

5

"I'm trying to organize my images separately from my text files; a way to sort them by type would be helpful."

I need this solved so that I can categorize and access different types of files more effectively.

Because solving this will make me feel organized and accomplished.

Necessity to categorize and access files based on their format.

Recognition rather than recall

3

Use visual cues and filters to help users quickly identify file formats.

File type filter

6

"I can't remember if I named it 'budget' or 'finance'—I need a search that can find both."

I need this solved so that I can locate files even with uncertain or variable naming.

Because solving this will make me feel less stressed and more confident.

Inefficiency in finding files due to vague memory or varied naming conventions.

Consistency and standards

3

Standardize file naming conventions and provide suggestions or corrections during searches.

Search terms with exact or loose matching

7

"I have to combine terms 'contract', 'signed', and '2023' to find exactly what I'm looking for, else I get too many results."

I need this solved so that I can conduct precise searches with multiple criteria.

Because solving this will make me feel efficient and productive.

Requirement to refine searches in large datasets to increase relevancy of results.

Help and documentation

3

Include help sections or tooltips that guide users in refining searches for better results.

Multiple search terms addition

8

"I need to ensure the files I'm accessing are the latest versions and see if they are synced with the cloud."

I need this solved so that I can always work with the most updated files and know their sync status.

Because solving this will make me feel assured and up-to-date.

Importance of knowing the sync status of files in hybrid storage environments.

Visibility of system status

4

Clearly display synchronization status and any issues with files across storage environments.

Hydration status filter

9

"Can I filter out the documents I don't have permission to view, so I only see what I can actually work on?"

I need this solved so that I can focus on accessible documents and avoid irrelevant ones.

Because solving this will make me feel more focused and less frustrated.

Security concerns and the necessity to locate files based on user access levels.

Security and privacy

4

Implement robust access control systems that allow users to easily locate files they are authorized to access.

Read permission filter

10

"I’d like to set all my filters first and then search once, to avoid waiting for the page to reload with each filter I add."

I need this solved so that I can streamline my search process and save time.

Because solving this will make me feel efficient and less impatient.

Need for a dynamic and responsive search that doesn’t apply filters with every action.

User control and freedom

3

Create a more responsive search interface that updates results as filters are changed, without requiring additional user inputs.

Apply button for filters

11

"If only I could add another keyword to my search, it would cut down the results to just what I need."

I need this solved so that I can further refine search results to the most relevant.

Because solving this will make me feel effective and satisfied.

Challenge of combining multiple keywords to narrow down search results.

Flexibility and efficiency of use

3

Enhance the search algorithm to effectively handle multiple keywords and provide relevant results.

'Add word' option in search

12

"I wish I could save my frequent search terms and not have to type them out each time."

I need this solved so that I can quickly access commonly used search terms.

Because solving this will make me feel more efficient and less burdened.

Requirement for personalized search criteria to address unique user needs.

Customization and personalization

3

Allow users to create and save custom search filters and preferences to meet their individual needs.

User-defined search term fields