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| When Bob decides to create or update a filter, the screen shown
in the sketch pops up. Bob can type keywords in the search
bar, and also select advanced settings from the form under
the search bar. Each advanced setting translates to a command
language in the search bar, and selecting them from the form
will enter the corresponding language text in the search bar
for self-disclosure.
The item feed remains available on the screen next to this
form, updating in real time with edits so Bob can preview the
effects of his selection.
Once the filter is created, it becomes available in the sidebar
and can be used as described in the "Read Items" entry.
A design decision to consider is whether the advanced options
should be visible by default, or if they should be hidden and
revealed by a "Advanced Options" link. This design chooses
the former option, so the form is more visible to new users.
Expert users who have learned the command language will
want the form to be hidden though. Testing and prototyping
will shed more light on this question.
An extreme option is to omit the advanced form altogether,
but this would require an effective implementation of search that
can read the user's mind as to what context they want.
| This interface is learnable, but only if the instant
updates and self-disclosure features are implemented.
Bob can learn from recognition, by using the search
bar the same way he would use Google Instant
Search. Updating the results in real time is important,
as it provides powerful high-level feedback to Bob's
inputs, so he can tell if he's going the right way.
Self-disclosure of the command language is also
useful and Bob can learn it as he goes along if he
wants to.
| Searching by typing is efficient since it allows
Bob to input his ideas without reaching for the
mouse. If he learns the command language, he
can become quite fast at creating filters on the
spot.
It's debatable as to whether efficiency in creating
filters is of high importance or just nice to have.
Many users may only set up a set of filters the
first time they use the application, then reuse
those filters over and over, never making new ones.
On the other hand, changes in information sources
may prompt the need to update filters.
| Bob can undo the additions he has made to
the filter by deleting the text typed in the search
bar or unchecking options in the form.
If he accidentally saves the wrong filter, he
still has the ability to edit it and fix the errors.
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