Making AI-Powered Search Usable for Non-Technical Users
Problem
Veritone's Boolean search interface had become difficult to use. Users struggled with multi-criteria queries because they had to retype their search with every change, making complex searches frustrating.
Solution
Redesigned the search experience with editable search pills, Boolean logic across all cognitive categories, and a pill grouping system, taking the work from research to engineering development in three weeks.
Impact
- Boolean AND/OR/NOT logic available across all cognitive categories for the first time
- Editable search pills removed the need to retype queries after any change
- Usability testing showed a significant reduction in time on task
- Full project taken from research to engineering development within three weeks
Overview
Veritone's AI-powered media platform relied heavily on a search interface that had become overly complex. The existing search bar didn't support Boolean logic across all cognitive categories, offered no way to edit individual query terms, and cluttered limited space with icons, forcing users to reconstruct their entire search string whenever a change was needed.
The goal was to redesign the search experience to make complex queries fast, intuitive, and learnable, while maintaining the power media professionals relied on.
Six-person team: Head of UX, two Project Managers, two Developers, and myself as Lead UX/UI Designer.
The Problem
Users needed to build multi-criteria Boolean queries combining AND/OR/NOT operators across Veritone's cognitive categories such as transcription, face recognition, and object detection. The existing search interface made this nearly impossible:
Key Challenges
- Users could not edit individual search terms, forcing them to retype the entire query for any change
- Boolean logic was only partially supported and limited to transcription, not across all engines
- Cognitive category icons cluttered the search bar and reduced usable input space
- The interface was overwhelming for average users and offered no guidance for constructing complex queries
- There was no way to save or reload search profiles for frequently repeated queries
Solution
The result was a search experience that aligned with users' understanding of Boolean logic.
The new UI was designed in Sketch, shared with engineering through InVision, and aligned with Google's Material Design guidelines.
Research
I interviewed stakeholders, internal and external users about their goals, search habits, pain points, and workflows. The findings shaped a primary persona and a user journey map.
Victor Abbott
An expert-level Veritone user who builds sophisticated, multi-variant search queries to manage client accounts. His goals and frustrations directly informed the redesign priorities.
Journey Insights
Ready to search
Users arrived optimistic, expecting the tool to save them time, but the cluttered search bar immediately signaled complexity.
Search query
Confidence collapsed as users couldn't find Boolean operators, didn't know what they could search across, and had no guidance on query construction.
Results
Frustration peaked with inaccurate results sending users back to support rather than refining the query themselves.
Modify query
The breaking point occurred when any change required starting over, leaving users feeling "I have to start all over."
Design Process
Low-fidelity wireframes went through several rounds of iteration, and internal and external user testing validated three key usability improvements before high-fidelity design.
Search Bar Redesign
Cognitive category icons moved inside their own input containers, freeing space and reducing clutter.
Visual Boolean Logic
AND/OR/NOT operators now work across all cognitive categories, not just transcription.
Search Pill Grouping
Editable pills can be grouped to set query priority, so users change one term without rebuilding the search.
Final Interface
All three usability improvements came together in the final interface, refined in close collaboration with the development team.
Outcome
The full project, from research, wireframes, and testing to high-fidelity designs ready for engineering development, was delivered within a tight three-week timeline. Close collaboration and clear communication across the six-person cross-functional team made this possible.
Usability
Redesigned search bar with editable pills for faster and easier query modification.
Functionality
Users can build structured, prioritized multi-string queries using Boolean AND/OR/NOT logic and pill grouping.
Validation
Internal and external user testing demonstrated a clear reduction in time on task.
Skills Highlighted
- User Research
- Persona Development
- User Journey Mapping
- Wireframing
- Usability Testing
- Interaction Design
- Information Architecture
- Sketch + InVision
- Stakeholder Collaboration