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reziac) wrote in ![[site community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/comm_staff.png){kind=small}
dw_suggestions2012-02-05 06:20 pm
Unlabeled search box
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>
This suggestion:
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%)
no subject