Hiding Search Facets is a Bad Idea

by Jonathan Baker-Bates on June 19, 2016

While reviewing a site last week, I noticed the following behaviour in a faceted search UI: Search for something as free text (eg “cups”); get a big list of cups and related items. Use filters to narrow down the list by selecting a search facet (eg “plastic”) Select another facet (eg “colour”). I then see there is no […]

Is a “Graphical Drop-down” Better than a Row of Icons?

by Jonathan Baker-Bates on June 4, 2016

At the trainspotting end of the UX spectrum of activity lie articles like this, from Information Architects Inc., which for some reason I find myself reading. While IA’s article is far too long and badly needs editing, the following occurs to me: Icons take up minimal space and look better than plain text, so they tend to […]