Use Case: Customer is looking for a book of a specific author, but they aren’t sure about spelling of author’s name. Customer opens the app and goes to the Search screen. They type the author’s name into a search bar, but they misspell “Pati Smtih” instead of “Patti Smith” and see no relevant result.

Problem: Although the books of this author are available in the library, customers may not be able to find them because of typos or mistakes. The app doesn’t offer any “as you type” correction for the names and book titles, or forgiving input that includes more search results. After that result, customers may think that the library doesn’t have the book they are looking for and abandon their search or entire service.

Annotated screenshots:

Libby. Search results.

Libby. Search results with mistake.

Best Practice:

Amazon demonstrates excellence in search functionality by providing a forgiving format in the entry field. Even if a user makes a typo in an author’s name, the search results display all relevant authors with similar names, significantly increasing the chances of finding the desired book.

Additionally, the app enhances the search process by offering quick suggestions directly in the entry field. These suggestions help users refine their queries and locate the desired product more efficiently, even when they are uncertain about specific details. This combination of flexibility and assistance creates a seamless and effective search experience.

Amazon. Quick replays

Amazon. Search results with mistake. Top results

Amazon. Search result with mistake. Following books (2nd page)