Helping users find their own way: Creating modern search experiences

Google changed user expectations about how search should work, and voice platforms like Alexa are changing mental models again. It’s time to modernize our search experiences to meet the user needs of today and tomorrow.

This session will discuss 8 key principles of modern search experiences. Then, building on the NPR’s own experience in re-platforming its cross-platform search service, this session will explore how to apply those principles to the web, mobile, voice platforms, and beyond.

You’ll learn:

• The fundamental expectations and mental models about “search” that your users are bringing with them when they use your system.
• The limitations of machine learning and the essential role that human judgment and high-fidelity metadata play in crafting great search experiences.
• The value of domain expertise in crafting bespoke search-based experiences that are specific to your industry, content, and audience.
• The forthcoming metadata and filtering challenges posed by emerging platforms like voice assistants and AR/VR—and some potential steps you can take today to better “futureproof” your search indexes.

Who should attend: This talk is ideal for designers, content strategists, and technologists of all stripes—anyone whose product could benefit from integrated search that actually works (which is perhaps most products!). This conversation will be most applicable to mid-career and senior folks who have the power to champion the importance of search within their organization.