Unlabeled search box

[reziac]

Title:
Unlabeled search box

Area:
Confusing the user, especially the novice

Summary:
The search box in the upper right needs its own label, NOT just the mouseover label.

Description:
The search box in the upper right needs its own label, NOT just the mouseover label. If someone doesn't realise what it is, the dropdown appears to *go* to "Interest" (etc.) with an expectation of some general page appearing, compounded by the button saying "GO" (normally that's an indication that a *dropdown box* will work without javascript) rather than "Search". It got *me* that way, having not run my mouse far enough over and not being a fan of intrasite search so I just didn't think of it (if anything, I'd vaguely wondered what the blank box to the left was for, but didn't investigate as I was distracted by the dropdown).

Anyway, I'm sure the words "search Dreamwidth" wouldn't be too much to squeeze in, perhaps immediately below the box. ;)

You really do have to specify WHAT such a form searches (not just "Search"), because user expectation is that ANY search box searches the whole dang world a la Google. There was a good article recently on this, somewhere on Jacob Nielsen's mondo excellent Usability site, http://www.useit.com/alertbox/

As to my previous poor rejected suggestions, which proved redundant to DW's Master Plan, great minds think in similar... what's that noise?? <g>

Poll #9493 Unlabeled search box

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 50

View Respondents

This suggestion:

View Answers

Should be implemented as-is.
22 (44.0%)

Should be implemented with changes. (please comment)
4 (8.0%)

Shouldn't be implemented.
5 (10.0%)

(I have no opinion)
19 (38.0%)

(Other: please comment)
0 (0.0%)

Comments

[msilverstar]

While it's true that some people think any search box is google, putting "Search" in the search box with Javascript is better than squishing text.

[kyrielle]

Agreed, but pre-filling it in acts weird with some mobile browsers where the text remains instead of vanishing as it should. :|

[pocketmouse]

Why not take it out of the purple bar and move it down to where the other search bar is, which is labeled 'Search Dreamwidth'?

You could have:

Search Dreamwidth

Search [profiles and site FAQ] for [data]:
[Searchbar] (SEARCH)

Search for entries containing:
[Searchbar] (SEARCH)

[deborah]

this is an accessibility improvement, obviously. Basic universal design principles: people need to know what they are searching. (Ironically, in this case screenreader users are better off than sighted users, because the form has labels, hooray.)

[stormy]

Perhaps instead of the 'GO' submit button, adding a magnifying glass submit button would also help users understand what the box is for. Personally, I understand that a form field with a GO or MAGNIFYING GLASS graphic that is not located on a search engine generally searches only the site you're on.

Having a default grayed word that reads 'search' in the form box shouldn't be too difficult, but again could be awkward. Perhaps if the form displayed the following as default it might be easier to understand for the truly novice:

[SEARCH] [Site and Account] (Magnifying Glass/Search (or as it is currently a (GO) button)

[kerravonsen]

My "with changes":
* just have "search" in the label, not "search Dreamwidth"
* and/or replace the "Go" button with "Search"

[cesy]

I'd vote to change the "go" button to say "search", rather than adding several more words.

[msilverstar]

I read some research that indicated that Go works just as well as Search as button text. Unexpected result, but the best research always is.