I hate the new search engine
alexlexilu
November 09, 2010, 01:08 AM posted in General DiscussionI have mentionned this when they were testing it with the results of them putting me back with the old method (they had randomly chosen me to test it)... and now it seems it is a fact this new lesson search engine. I HATE IT!
I tried to find a QW on 为了 yesterday and I got a list of lessons which don't necessarily have this item in the tittle.... and the worst... you can't filter or sort anything the way you could before... I keep commenting on the value of sorting and filters... yet the few there were are disappearing... and still no such plus-value feature on the dashboard... and now searching a lesson is a nightmare.
THE WORST part... you can't even see what level the lessons are anymore... instead... the most "relevant" and useless information chosen as a sorting factor... the lesson number!!!! WOW so useful!
catherinem
November 09, 2010, 03:28 AM@alexlexilu
I'm sorry you're so frustrated with our search functionality. In fact we have been running A/B tests for the past few months in order to introduce an improved search. The first two A/B test have indicated that our original search (the one you see now) allows users to access content that they're looking for with more success than the new versions we have tested. We're still working to improve this, and will continue our A/B tests in coming months.
I'm curious about one thing you said:
"THE WORST part... you can't even see what level the lessons are anymore... instead... the most "relevant" and useless information chosen as a sorting factor... the lesson number!!!! WOW so useful!"
In our current search, you do see lesson levels in the results list. Perhaps you are referring to something else, like the lessons list (with topics), which you can find here? Please let me know - I hope to help you find what you're looking for in a more efficient way.
alexlexilu
In fact, yesterday when I searched for a lesson with 替 and 为了 I got a list which I had when I was part of the testing before and complained and then I got the old search back. The list looked almost like that one you are linking me to, had lesson number, lesson title and tag info, but only of the lessons with my searched word. I found that completely useless. Not that I like the current search but to me it is much much better then anything you have been testing. Please don't let me see that new search result list again. Right now it seems to be back to the old way.
Really all we need are personal filters to sort our result list: by level, by occurences, etc. Often I have a specific goal, for example, I often want to know if there was a QW on a specific subject. I don't care to see all the Advanced lesson but since I am searching using a chinese character I get tons of advanced every time.
paulinurus
November 09, 2010, 03:13 AMI find the parameters of the search quite awkward in its design. First, it searches by lesson, which in many cases it won't find for the word entered. Then, I have to click those boxes to do an "expanded search" Why not just do an expanded search right from the start and save time and trouble having to check mark boxes and request for another search?