Metasearch engine SortFix and search results
SortFix is a metasearch engine that searches Google, Yahoo and dmoz. What sets it apart from other metasearch engines is the way it presents the search result. SortFix gives you a drag-and-drop interface which assists the user to describe a detailed and precise query.
I (Susanne Koch, co-editor of Pandia) talked to Yohay Barsky, SortFix’ CTO and co-founder based in Tel-Aviv, to get an inside view of search engine innovation: How did the SortFix team decide on features for their metasearch engine and what do they see as their contribution to web search?
Deciding on features for SortFix
Yohay Barsky: SortFix originated form a very basic question: How can we improve our search capabilities? We noticed that usually our queries don’t deliver the desired results, so we set out to find the best way to search.
We started monitoring our own search process and also examined the search strategies of a large group of volunteers. We discovered that our volunteers were divided roughly into two groups: Regular searchers and advanced searchers. The advanced searchers have a better finding rate. We wanted to design a search engine that could emulate the search strategies of these advanced searchers.
Pandia: Did you find the reason for the success of these advanced searchers?
Yohay Barsky: Yes. The better searchers type an initial query and then use these first results as a step towards improving the query. By examining the search results they start to get a feel for the topic and go on to upgrade their search query step by step.
However, there are some problems with this strategy: For one thing, it is practiced only by the advanced users. It can also be time consuming. Moreover even the better user rarely utilize the minus operator to remove unrelated subjects and other advanced operator (exact phrase, synonyms etc.).
Pandia: The Internet has been around for a while, but most searchers haven’t developed advanced search skills. How did you proceed to help them?
Yohay Barsky: We decided that a great search engine should provide an automated process imitating the search strategy of the advanced searchers. So we stared to develop a system that instantly scans the results for the user and extracts the most optimal terms (we call them “Power Words”) based on text mining algorithms.
But an efficient automated scanning is only part of the equation; The other part is the user’s individual needs; only the user can describe his precise needs. So, we also developed a novel SUI (Search User Interface).
SortFix’ search user interface features
The image below and the list of features show how SortFix proposes to help people search better and easier.
sortfix alternative search engine search interface
* Drag & drop function: The user can easily expand or restrict his search query by utilizing the “Power Words”.
* The “Boxes” methods is a very central concept at SortFix: It enables a clear overview on the current search query, quick and easy query upgrading and utilization of advanced operators.
* “Power Words” box: This feature enables an easy and full overview of the extracted related terms.
* “Add to Search” box: Drag terms here to add them to the search query.
* “Remove” box: Drag terms here to exclude them from the search results.
* “Dictionary” box: Searchers often start a new search with only little knowledge of the subject and unfamiliar with the related terms. Drag words to the “Dictionary” to get a definition instantly.
* Visual operators (”exact phrase”, “OR”, “synonyms”): Increase and simplify the usage of advanced operators (available to registered users only).
* “Standby” box: Sometimes users encounter terms that they may wish to explore later. The “Standby” box saves these terms for the user (available to registered users only).
Pandia: Do you have indications that this innovative search interface makes searching the Web easier?
Yohay Barsky: Yes. After extensive testing and developing (alpha and closed beta) we proved that the combination of efficient text mining and intuitive, easy and fun user interface enables any user to improve his search and to find previously unreachable information.
Pandia: What is SortFix’ contribution to web search?
Yohay Barsky: Basically, you can say that using SortFix is the same as moving from DOS to Windows. You no longer need to remember or type commands and you can drag and drop instead of typing.
Your productivity increases, but there is more to it: In recent years more and more users state that they suffer from “search fatigue”: They are unable to find the information they need or it just takes them to much time.
Search engines have tried to improve the relevancy of search results for more than a decade mainly by various ranking algorithms. However, most users only use queries of 2-3 words. This is often insufficient to describe their exact needs. Because of this, the ranking algorithms receive only a partial input from the users and do not have sufficient information to make an accurate comparison between the results.
Our methodology and user interface helps the user to describe his exact needs in detail and precise queries and provide the search engines’ ranking algorithms with a detailed and complete input.
