P5: Implementation
Screen captures + Documentation + Design Rationale
The main page of the WFinder is defined by simplicity. Embracing the familiar and user-friendly search engine design used by Google and other popular sites, WFinder opens up with a blank search bar with the logo and simplified categorization tab bar. By default, users can search for objects not predefined by a category. But she is also welcome to categorize the search by People, Places, and Things that are complemented by easy-to-recognize icons. The icons are used continuously through other pages to maintain consistency.
Search without Categorization: ALL
If the user chooses to search without categorization, the database shows up with the table divided by People, Places and Things. The division faciliates easier reading in case the database gets larger. At the back end, the table is actually contructed by buttons. They originally were designed to appear like buttons, but as we discussed user familiarity and the iPhone syntax, the group decided to implement the look of the table by resizing the buttons.
Search by PEOPLE
Once the user types in her key word, she is taken to the result page. The result page displays the key word with a list of possible entries she is looking for. Additional to a table-like list of objects represented by the object title and the category icon (the same ones shown in the main page), the page provides the search engine to retrieve spelling or wording mistakes. For categorization mistakes, each page provides a "home" button that takes users back to the main page. This allows th user to completely erase and start over her search. The back button exists in the progressing pages for more flexible navigation.
Search by PLACES
Search by THINGS
As shown in all four possible search methods, the search pattern, despite categorization, remains consistent. This design allows fast learnability. The application overall harbors shallow but efficient search and design that is easy to recognize and fully highlights the methods of each button.