Pinned Searches
Enhanced search experiences by allowing users to pin search queries for quick access. This feature helps users easily revisit specific terms, keeping them at the top of the drop-down list for faster browsing, making search truly accessible in users’ daily life.
Role Design
Platform PC, Mobile Web
Year 2019
Product at NAVER
Team 3 Designers
Context
'Pinned Searches’ was a design concept submitted to the in-house design and service planning competition called 'Design Spurt’. At that time, two designers and I, who were in charge of the NAVER search service, proposed 'Pinned Searches' by gathering our usual pain points and ideas.
Project Goal
Improve the search experience by allowing users to pin queries for quick access, keeping frequently searched terms at the top for faster browsing and greater convenience in daily use.
1. Gathering insights through user behaviour analysis.
To enhance the core value of the search experience, even minor design changes involve iterative design testing, analyzing user behavior patterns, and conducting usability tests. And we found that typical user search history usage patterns include: 1. Clicking on autocomplete search suggestions, 2. Clicking on previously searched information through search history, and 3. Deleting search history.
Meanwhile, I noticed that my mom deletes unnecessary search keywords from the search history to keep her frequent queries at the top. She developed a strong habit of revisiting these keywords regularly, using them to track items like stocks, future purchases, gold prices, and lottery information. Additionally, we discovered that many people use their search history as a way to remind themselves of important searches.
We found that it’s a common user behavior for individuals to regularly organise their search histories by deleting, remembering, and frequently checking them.
Created a persona based on my mom
2. Tests for optimised search experience.
Test 1: Apply the same UI design for mobile and PC for design consistency?
We took a diverse design approach to enhance PC usability. Initially, our hypothesis was that applying the same design look and usability for mobile and PC could highlight consistency and the identity of Pinned Searches for users. And we conducted various design tests: A.Designed to maintain consistency with the mobile UI. B.Expanded and arranged in two-columns tailored for PC usability. C. Simplified the on/off usability of the existing PC search history with the same UI components.
Generally, mobile users browse quickly while on the move, whereas PC users tend to search in a stable environment. Perhaps PC users find it frustrating and annoying that the search drop-down list occupies a large space at the top every time the dropdown opens. Also, scrolling rather than clicking to view the next page is much more natural on PCs.
As a result, we decided that placing Pinned Searches on the right (B Type) visually enhances stability by showing a different design from mobile. Through iterative design testing, this design was chosen to maintain optimised usability and consistency for both mobile and PC.
Test 2. How about showing it on the main homepage before searching?
What if pinned searches are present on the main homepage before users click on the search bar? There were a couple of constraints that it couldn't be placed directly below because it is the most important prime space for advertising, urgent notifications, natural disasters, etc. There's only one place to display it: right above the bottom content area. Additionally, integrating it with recommended content and separating it from search history might make it less perceivable as users' saved searches or pinned items at the top.
We observed that users quickly click the search box even when search pinned queries are offered on the main pages. People seem to have a habit of aiming directly for their goal once they think about it. This is why it's in the search drop-down box and not on the Naver main page. It's clearer and more intuitive when displaying the pinned searches at the top.
3. Providing the most essential summary cards
It was challenging to determine which information to optimise and display at the top when many users pinned numerous search queries. We categorised and analysed keywords that people frequently search for, and structured the logic to prioritize these search results at the top.
Examples
Direct Answer Results
- Stock information
- Weather
- Lottery number
- Search parcel
Rich Search Results
- Currency conversions
- langauge translater, interest, calculator, world clock, and etc
Shortcuts
- Website
4. How pinned searches works? + Plus, - Minus, = Manage
Many users now value not just visual aesthetics but also convenience and intuitive usability.
-
This project focuses on simplifying and clarifying the user flow through three main features: Plus, Minus, and Manage
- + Plus: Tap the pin icon to instantly add a search term to the top.
- - Minus: Long-press to reveal an 'x' for quick deletion, or remove it on the manage history page.
- = Manage: Swipe pinned search cards to access history management tools. You can reorder or delete them. We also introduced a 'Favourites' section for better control pinned items, enhancing the previously limited history page.
(+) Add a searches to the top.
(-) Long-press to delete
(=) Reorder or Delete
Takeaways
Constantly validating this feature through user feedback and testing.
Collaborated fully with peers to achieve a shared goal, from planning to submission.
Anaysising search data and user patterns to make data-driven decisions.