Sorting Flashcards
Product Lists & Filtering
How do users judge whether a category has what they’re looking for, and what issue can arise if the products aren’t representative?
Users quickly judge whether a category is likely to have what they’re looking for based on the first few products in the product list. If the products aren’t representative of the list as a whole, some users will assume the list doesn’t contain products of interest and may abandon their search prematurely.
How can the first few products in a category list be made more representative of the entire category?
Ensure that the first 10 to 20 products reflect the diversity of all major product types within the category by setting “Relevance” as the default sort type and implementing it as a diversity-based matrix. This approach ensures that users see a representative sample of the category, helping them quickly determine if the list contains products of interest.
Why is it important for the first few products in a category list to be representative of the entire product selection?
When browsing for products, users quickly judge whether a category is likely to have what they’re looking for based on the first few products in the list. If these first few products aren’t representative of the product selection as a whole, some users may assume the list doesn’t contain what they’re looking for and may abandon the category or leave the site entirely. During testing, participants were often misled into thinking the product selection was much narrower than it really was based solely on the default sort order.
How do users typically judge whether a category of products has what they’re looking for when browsing, and what impact does the default sort order have on their perception?
Users quickly judge whether a product category is likely to have what they’re looking for based on the first few products in the list. If these initial products are not representative of the overall product selection, some users may assume the category doesn’t contain what they’re searching for and might abandon the category or leave the site entirely. During testing, it was observed that participants were often misled into believing the product selection was much narrower than it actually was due to the default sort order.
What have multiple rounds of testing revealed about how users evaluate product lists, and what are the consequences of presenting an unrepresentative sample of products?
Multiple rounds of testing have shown that users are quick to judge whether a product list has something of interest to offer them, often making this evaluation based on the first few products or a very brief scroll of the list. If users are presented with an unrepresentative sample of products, they are likely to assume that the product list lacks a wide selection and may abandon their current browsing strategy or leave the site entirely.
What issues arise from using default sort types like “Best Selling” and “Popularity,” and what should be considered when setting a default sort type for product lists?
Default sort types such as “Best Selling” and “Popularity” can still cause issues because they may lack diversity at the top of the product list. For instance, sorting by “Best Selling” might predominantly display sneakers or athletic shoes, causing users to overlook other types of shoes like dress shoes, sandals, and boots. While “Best Selling” and “Popularity” can be useful factors, they should not be the only factors considered for the default sort type. It’s important to ensure that the default sort order represents the full breadth of the category to avoid misleading users about the variety of products available.
How does the limited visibility of products within the mobile viewport impact user behavior, and what are the consequences of a product list that lacks diversity on mobile?
The limited visibility of products within the mobile viewport means that very few products are typically visible at a time. As a result, the effects of a product list that lacks diversity can be even more detrimental on mobile. Mobile users may need to scroll significantly to discover the full breadth and diversity of the product list, making them more likely to abandon the site if they don’t quickly find what they’re looking for. This can lead to higher bounce rates and lower user satisfaction on mobile platforms.
What strategy should be used to ensure users see a representative and varied set of products at the top of a product list, especially for very broad or combined categories?
To ensure users see a representative and varied set of products at the top of the product list, use a diversity-based default sort type, such as “Relevance.” This approach is particularly important for very broad or combined categories, which need to immediately communicate to users that they are in the right place by showing a diverse array of products at the top. On desktop, the category breadth can be effectively displayed by representing all the main product types within the first 20 or so products, and within the first 10 or so on mobile due to fewer products being visible at once. For instance, a product list of running shoes should include a variety of running shoes from different brands, price points, and styles (e.g., “Trail running,” “Road running,” “Waterproof,” etc.) to showcase the full range of options available.
How should the default “Relevance” matrix be adjusted for industries with seasonal categories, and what were the findings from testing apparel sites?
For industries with seasonal categories, the default “Relevance” matrix should incorporate the change of seasons. For example, during testing on apparel sites, multiple participants were disappointed when searching for jackets and finding lightweight items such as blazers at the top of the list. Given the cool season at the time of testing, surfacing heavier jackets would have been more relevant and appropriate. Adjusting the “Relevance” matrix to reflect seasonal changes ensures that the products displayed meet current user needs and expectations, improving their browsing experience.
What are the issues in sorting a product list by “Popular” or Best-Selling”?
- A sort type like “Best Selling” may bias the results towards certain product types on the site while neglecting to showcase the full diversity of products available
- “Popular” and “Best Selling” do not carry any implications of personalization or site control over what items are shown first in the list
What issues can arise from using “hard” filter boundaries and irrelevant sort orders, and what are the recommended sort types for product lists?
“Hard” filter boundaries can cause users to miss out on relevant products that fall just outside their parameters, while irrelevant sort orders make it harder for users to find products that match their needs.
What sort types should always be offered for product lists, and what additional considerations should be taken into account for category-specific sorting?
Always offer the following sort types for product lists:
- Price
- User Rating
- Best Selling
- Newest
Additionally, consider offering category-specific sort types that reflect the 1-3 most important product attributes for that category. Avoid using alphabetical sort types, except for “Brand” if relevant, and avoid redundant sort options to maintain an efficient and user-friendly sorting system.
How do filters and sorting work together to help users contextualize and organize product lists?
Filters and sorting work together to help users contextualize and organize product lists by allowing them to reorder the product list based on certain criteria. This makes the process of finding suitable products easier and more efficient, enabling users to compare products in a relevant ranking.
What benefits do sorting options provide to users when browsing product lists?
Sorting options provide benefits by making the process of finding suitable products easier and more efficient. They help users compare products based on relevant criteria, allowing them to organize the product list in ways that are meaningful to them.
What issues can arise from providing only limited sort options on a website?
Providing only limited sort options can make it more difficult for users to find the products they most want to see. During testing, participants had a harder time locating desired products when the sites offered restricted sorting choices.
How can hard filter boundaries and irrelevant sort orders impact users?
Hard filter boundaries can cause users to miss out on relevant products that fall just outside their parameters, and irrelevant sort orders can make it harder for users to find products that match their needs.
What sort types should always be offered for product lists, and what should be avoided?
Always offer “Price,” “User Rating,” “Best Selling,” and “Newest” sort types for product lists. Consider offering additional category-specific sort types that reflect the 1–3 most important product attributes. Avoid alphabetical sort types, except for “Brand” if relevant, and redundant sort options.
What is the difference between filters and sorting in product searches?
Filters set a “hard” boundary, defining a set of criteria that the product must match, such as only seeing shirts that cost less than $50. Sorting provides the user with a “soft” boundary by listing all available products ranked according to a certain attribute, such as seeing all shirts ordered by “Price” from least to most expensive.
Why is sorting valuable for users compared to filters?
Sorting allows users to browse within a desired range without defining specific cutoff points, providing a broader array of options. This is valuable for users who desire more options and for those with less domain knowledge, as filters can be more intimidating and difficult to use.