Chapter 1
The Business & Product of Search
Search is not just an engineering problem; it's the highest-leverage product surface in most applications. Before writing code, we must understand the metrics, the funnel, and the user intent.
In This Chapter
1.1 Why Search is the Heart
Why search functionality makes or breaks modern applications.
1.2 When Search Fails
The cost of bad relevance: bounce rates, lost revenue, and frustration.
1.3 Search vs Discovery
Understanding the difference between "I know what I want" and "Show me what you have".
1.4 Types of Search Systems
E-commerce, Media, SaaS, and Enterprise search patterns.
1.5 Search as a Funnel
Mapping the user journey: Query → SERP → Click → Conversion.
1.6 Success Metrics
How to measure quality: NDCG, MRR, CTR, and Zero Results Rate.