Nowadays, the nature of search is changing day by day, google combines machine learning and artificial intelligence into everything it does. We get our search results based on our past activity, ratings, location, content preferences. And we used to get pop up notifications on our devices and alerts for latest sports and events.
What is a recommendation engine?
They are the systems that turn user data into recommendations. We see recommendation engines in action on platforms like Netflix and Amazon, where shows and products are recommended to us based on our viewing and purchase histories.
Google and search suggestions:
Google was not the first search engine to provide search suggestions nor it is the only one. Google has been offering search suggestion or autocomplete from 2008 and it has gained many users by launching google instant search.
Google instant search:
Google Instant is a new feature that guesses what users are searching for and shows results as user type. Google uses its autocomplete technology to show predicted search items in a search down box, and begins to display the search results below the drop down. It is available in,
● Your browser’s search box
● From Google Toolbar
Creating a personalized experience for everyone When we book a flight ticket and once we receive an email confirmation, Google reminds you about the flight and the climatic condition of your destination. Once you reach your destination it suggests nearby restaurants, tourism etc. Each suggestion has a reason, so that users will have a look up on google search and to look up for information. Not only does google suggest travel, it reminds of upcoming events and helps you to guide location and give ideas to try something new in cooking also. Google is replacing the search process with a personalized set of recommendations for everything we do in life. Suggestion based on real searches The suggestion that google offers which tells about the behavior of how people actually search. For ex: if we search for the word “CHICKEN” and google suggests about
● chicken fry
● chicken tikka
● chicken 65
These are the searches which are done by other people. Google shows the upcoming content which is popular. If the users type “CHICKEN” and they go type “CHICKEN 65” that may result as a suggestion. Suggestion based on location and language Google will not interrupt user search behavior and serve user search recommendations. The word “near me” is a content of search which indicates that the user is looking for something in the local. For ex: we search for the word “COFFEE” and google suggests about “coffee shop near me” This is a location based awareness and it shorts the need of the user to add the names of location into a search. Language also has an impact different suggestions will appear in particular language or based on language assumes you use it as determined by browsers settings.
CONCLUSION
What needs to be seen is how google users will respond to Instant.
And how many will adopt it. Do a lot of people search right from their browser
search box or from the Google Toolbar? I’m doubtful of the claim that it speeds up searches; it seems to me that many users may actually be slowed down as they stop to read and consider all of the predicted queries and search results that are now being displayed automatically. On the other hand, I do think that it may train some users to be smarter searchers.