Enhance Search UI: Add Top K Input For Better Results

by Viktoria Ivanova 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into an exciting enhancement for our search user interface (UI). We're going to add a top_k input control that will give users more power over their search results. This feature will allow you to specify the number of results you want to see, which directly influences how deep you explore the graph of information. Think of it like this: a smaller range gives you focused results, while a larger range provides a broader exploration. Let's break down why this is important and how we're going to implement it.

Why Add a Top K Input Control?

In the realm of search, especially when dealing with complex data structures like graphs, the ability to control the scope of your search is crucial. Our backend already supports a top_k parameter, which defaults to 10 results. This means that by default, the search returns the top 10 most relevant results. However, the frontend currently lacks a UI control to adjust this parameter, and it doesn't send the parameter in API calls. This limitation can hinder the user experience in several ways.

First and foremost, controlling the number of search results, or the top_k value, directly impacts graph exploration depth. Imagine you're researching a topic and only want a quick overview. A small top_k value would be perfect, giving you a narrow and focused set of results. On the other hand, if you're conducting in-depth research and want to explore every nook and cranny of the information landscape, a large top_k value would be more appropriate, allowing for a comprehensive exploration. Without this control, users are stuck with the default setting, which may not always align with their specific needs.

The impact of this enhancement is significant. By adding a top_k input, we empower users to tailor their search experience to their specific goals. A smaller top_k is perfect for pinpointing the most relevant information quickly, ideal for users who know exactly what they're looking for or need a concise answer. This focused approach saves time and reduces the noise of less relevant results. Conversely, a larger top_k enables a comprehensive exploration, which is invaluable for researchers, analysts, or anyone who needs to see the bigger picture and uncover hidden connections. This broader approach can reveal unexpected insights and a more complete understanding of the topic at hand.

Moreover, providing this control improves the overall efficiency of the search process. Users can avoid sifting through numerous irrelevant results by narrowing their search scope. This not only saves time but also reduces cognitive load, making the search experience more pleasant and productive. In essence, the top_k input is a powerful tool for optimizing search behavior, catering to different user needs and search scenarios.

Acceptance Criteria: What We Need to Achieve

To ensure we successfully implement this enhancement, we have a clear set of acceptance criteria. These criteria outline the specific tasks and requirements we need to meet. Let's break them down:

1. UI Component: Adding the Input Field

Our first goal is to add a number input field in SearchView.tsx, the component responsible for rendering the search interface. This input field will be the user's primary means of controlling the top_k parameter. We'll place this new component strategically, positioning it between the search type selection and the submit button. This placement ensures it's easily accessible and logically positioned within the search workflow.

To make this input field user-friendly, we'll define specific input specs. The default value will be 10, aligning with the backend's default setting. This provides a familiar starting point for users. We'll also set a minimum value of 1 and a maximum value of 100. These limits prevent users from accidentally requesting an unmanageably large number of results (which could strain the system) or a non-sensical zero or negative number. To ensure data integrity, we'll implement validation to enforce these limits, preventing invalid inputs from being submitted.

Furthermore, we'll enhance the usability of the input field by including a clear label: "Max results". This label explicitly tells users what the input field controls. To further assist users, we'll add a tooltip that explains the impact of the top_k parameter. This tooltip will concisely explain that a smaller range leads to focused results, while a larger range allows for broader exploration. This helps users understand the trade-offs and make informed decisions about their search scope.

2. Frontend Integration: Connecting the Input to the API

With the UI component in place, our next task is to integrate it with the frontend logic. This involves updating useChat.ts, which likely handles the communication between the frontend and the backend search API. We need to modify this file to accept the top_k parameter and send it in API calls.

First, we'll add state management for the search range value. This means we'll need to create a state variable (likely using React's useState hook or a similar mechanism) to store the current value of the top_k input. This state will be updated whenever the user changes the value in the input field, ensuring that the frontend always has the most up-to-date top_k value.

Next, we'll update the API payload to include the top_k field. This involves modifying the data structure that's sent to the backend when a search request is made. We'll add a top_k property to this payload and set its value to the current state of the top_k input. This ensures that the backend receives the user's desired search range.

By completing these steps, we'll successfully connect the UI component to the backend, allowing users to control the top_k parameter and tailor their search results. This integration is crucial for realizing the full potential of the top_k input and providing a more flexible and powerful search experience.

Implementing the Changes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we've established the acceptance criteria, let's outline the steps involved in implementing these changes. This will provide a roadmap for our development process.

1. Modify SearchView.tsx

  1. Add the Number Input Field: Within the SearchView.tsx component, we'll add a <input type="number" /> element. This element will serve as our top_k input field.
  2. Set Input Specs: We'll configure the input field with the following attributes:
    • defaultValue: Set to 10 to match the backend's default.
    • min: Set to 1 to ensure a valid minimum value.
    • max: Set to 100 to prevent excessive search ranges.
  3. Implement Validation: We'll add validation logic to ensure the input value stays within the allowed range. This might involve using event handlers (like onChange) to check the value and update it if necessary.
  4. Add Label and Tooltip: We'll include a <label> element with the text "Max results" to clearly identify the input field. We'll also add a tooltip (perhaps using a library or custom component) that explains the impact of the top_k parameter.
  5. Position the Component: We'll ensure the input field is placed between the search type selection and the submit button for optimal usability.

2. Update useChat.ts

  1. Add State Management: Within the useChat.ts file, we'll create a state variable to store the top_k value. This might look something like const [topK, setTopK] = useState(10);.
  2. Update API Payload: We'll modify the function that sends the API request to include a top_k field in the payload. This field will be set to the current value of the topK state variable.
  3. Connect Input to State: We'll connect the input field in SearchView.tsx to the topK state in useChat.ts. This typically involves passing the setTopK function as a prop to SearchView.tsx and using it in the input field's onChange handler.

3. Testing and Refinement

  1. Unit Tests: We'll write unit tests to ensure the input field works as expected and that the top_k parameter is correctly passed to the API.
  2. Integration Tests: We'll perform integration tests to verify that the frontend and backend work together seamlessly with the new top_k input.
  3. User Testing: We'll conduct user testing to gather feedback on the usability of the new feature and identify any areas for improvement.
  4. Refinement: Based on the testing results, we'll refine the implementation as needed to ensure a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Conclusion: Enhancing Search with Top K Input

Adding a top_k input control to our search UI is a significant step towards providing a more powerful and flexible search experience. By allowing users to control the number of results returned, we empower them to tailor their search scope to their specific needs. Whether they're looking for a quick overview or a comprehensive exploration, the top_k input will be a valuable tool.

By following the acceptance criteria and implementation steps outlined above, we can ensure a successful integration of this feature. This enhancement will not only improve the usability of our search interface but also unlock new possibilities for data exploration and discovery. So, let's get started and make our search even better! This added functionality of a top K input will greatly enhance the search capabilities making it easier for our users to narrow or broaden their searches as needed.