2 Comments

  1. Hi,
    Here’s an example I use to describe facetted search to others – imagine looking for a nice bottle of wine on [insert any well known large online wine retailer]. As an example, here is the text off a local wine chain website:

    Variety

    Cabernet Sauvignon (174)
    Chardonnay (213)
    Pinot Noir (121)
    Sauvignon Blanc (161)
    Shiraz / Syrah (372)
    View more varieties (1,192)

    Wine Type

    Fortified Wine (59)
    Red Wine (1,160)
    Rosé Wine (44)
    Sparkling Wine & Champagne (215)
    White Wine (752)
    View more wine types (3)

    Brand

    De Bortoli (22)
    McWilliam’s (24)
    Penfolds (41)
    Peter Lehmann (34)
    Pirramimma (64)
    View more brands (2,056)

    Country

    Australia (1,626)
    Chile (22)
    France (263)
    Italy (63)
    New Zealand (195)
    View more countries (53)

    More facets etc

    So you can look for the same bottle of wine in lots of different ways (or facets). It is not a hierarchical structure, so it exists in all facets simultaneously. Most people I have spoken to understand this intuitive example immediately. And who knows, you might even find you are talking with a fellow wine lover!

    Regards,
    Philip

  2. Jenn

    Thanks Philip, wonderful example! I have been struggling to understand facet analysis in my information science program and this has really helped.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *