Advanced Search in new interface lacks functionality
The new Alma interface's Advanced Search feature appears to lack fundamental functionality. I am not the systems person and, therefore, perhaps this can be done and I am not aware of how to do this. However, it seems one must now click on the Advanced Search every time one needs the Advanced Search (which is often). The old interface allowed one to choose Advanced Search and then it would remain on the screen so that one could use the same chosen Advanced Search option continually, adding and subtracting additional fields as needed. Also, the tiny icon for Advanced Search is to the left of the Default Search box. So every time one needs to select Advanced Search (which is often), one must slide the mouse or slide the wrist over to the far left to select Advanced Search. This may seem small, but it is very wearing on the wrist and hand. Why not put the icon to the right of the Default Search Box? Less movement is required. However, if one did not have to click on Advanced Search every time, then perhaps the placement of the icon would not matter.
-
Sarah Spigner commented
I would like to comment in support of this idea, especially moving the Advanced Search icon to the right. I had difficulty locating Advanced Search just now because I expected it to be next to the basic search icon, but instead, it was on the opposite side of the search bar. Having Advanced Search somewhere near the basic search button would be more logical to users and would also be consistent with the layout of the search bar in Primo VE.
-
Thank you for your feedback. The location of the advance search was chosen according to the feedback provided by the Alma UX Focus Group. We are working on improving the ability to navigate to the advanced search via keyboard to make it easier. Can you provide more details about the workflow when you need to keep the advance search open in parallel with the result and keep refining them?