[Sigia-l] To sort or not to sort

[Patrick Neeman]

One of the sites I worked on offered the ability to sort. After 
analyzing the web logs, but we found that users rarely used the 
feature, even after we tried explaining the feature.

While it's good to give the users more options, there really should be 
an evaluation with the developers for the ROI on this one.

P@

On Feb 21, 2005, at 9:19 AM, FelcanSmith, Mark wrote:

> I'm reviewing designs for a search feature. My question is regarding 
> the search results...the design has the results coming back in a 
> table/grid format. Columns contain Title/Description, Subtype/Date, 
> and File Type.
>
> I initially was reviewing the wireframes for consistency w/ the 
> application this feature will be integrated with, and not necessarily 
> at the context of use of this feature. I came back w/ a recommendation 
> to include sortability on the results table. Now I'm questioning 
> whether or not that is really a useful feature.
>
> Based on relevancy is how the results are displayed currently...given 
> that model, does the ability to sort on the results provide any 
> substantial value. Remember there is always cost involved in 
> development...weighing out the cost to develop the sort with the need 
> (perceived value) of the user.
>
> I can see the benefit to being able to organize the collection that 
> was returned to me, sorted by Title (alpha) or by data 
> (descending/ascending), etc. Looking over the major search sites 
> however, none of them offer the ability to sort.
>
> Thanks,
> Mark
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---
Patrick Neeman
pat at nexisinteractive.com