Designing Search (part 1): Entering the query by Tony Russell-Rose.
From the post:
In an earlier post we reviewed models of information seeking, from an early focus on documents and queries through to a more nuanced understanding of search as an information journey driven by dynamic information needs. While each model emphasizes different aspects of the search process, what they share is the principle that search begins with an information need which is articulated in some form of query. What follows below is the first in a mini-series of articles exploring the process of query formulation, starting with the most ubiquitous of design elements: the search box.
If you are designing or using search interfaces, you will benefit from reading this post.
Suggestion: Don’t jump to the summary and best practices. Tony’s analysis is just as informative as the conclusions he reaches.