Jump Menu Search

[Simon Williams]

Hi all,

I've had a search for this, but nothing seems to match what I'm looking to do.

I would like to be able to use a jump menu as a search tool, that is to select a product on the jump menu, and use the search script to produce results.

Is this at all possible?

Thanks guys,
Simon

[leehack]

Approach it in two stages IMO. First of all get yourself an <ul> of links including the search term you want for each option. To find out how the URL is formulated, simply do a real search or two on your site and note how it is formed. Duplicate that method for all links. Check they all work, then your next stage is to have those links as options in a drop down menu, i expect you will need to use some Javascript as part of it.

But before you try anything, have a good trawl through the AUG, it may already be done for you. I also have a distant memory that Gabe has detailed something like this in the forum already, but i may be well off the mark with that memory.

[fergusw]

I would like to be able to use a jump menu as a search tool, that is to select a product on the jump menu, and use the search script to produce results.

Simon, what is the functionality requirement behind this? Perhaps I am reading it wrong however if you allow somone to select a product from a drop down then would you not simply want them take to that selected product directly, thus negating the need for any search page(s)?

[leehack]

I think he wants a list with something like 'red jumpers', 'blue jumpers' in it and that automatically searches and returns all results on one page. If that was then coincided with the search page hack to show product layouts with the ability to buy, then i guess the possibilities are endless (say that last bit like the recycling advert).

[fergusw]

the possibilities are endless (say that last bit like the recycling advert).

Ah - I see. Mis-understood the "select a product" part of the original post.

Simon, Lee has it spot on. A drop down, triggering some javascript to post a form with required fields (copying the fields posted on the search page) to the search cgi-bin scripts would do the job.

[Simon Williams]

Approach it in two stages IMO. First of all get yourself an <ul> of links including the search term you want for each option. To find out how the URL is formulated, simply do a real search or two on your site and note how it is formed. Duplicate that method for all links. Check they all work, then your next stage is to have those links as options in a drop down menu, i expect you will need to use some Javascript as part of it.

But before you try anything, have a good trawl through the AUG, it may already be done for you. I also have a distant memory that Gabe has detailed something like this in the forum already, but i may be well off the mark with that memory.

Fantastic idea Lee, I didn't think of that at all -- the 'pre-searched' link is the ideal solution.

I did have a look through the AUG, but the solutions were more to do with lists for level selections.

n.b. The reason for this addition to the search is basically because consumers are lazy, and offering them anything in addition to the effort of typing their search helps -- I guess?! The drop down list will contain only the most searchable items on a very big store.

Cheers guys
Simon

[fergusw]

The drop down list will contain only the most searchable items on a very big store.

Simon, if the drop down is going to contain actual products, selected from the catalog, then perhaps there is a better method.
i.e. if you need the drop down to show a list of products which when selected takes the browser to the product page.

Your drop-down could be made in its own layout in Actinic with the products appearing within it being selected by using a User Defined Variable (e.g. create a product variable called "UseInDropDown" with true/false option)
The drop down option values would be the product's section html filename and the content would be the product name. You would then simply require a standard javascript "jumpMenu" function to bounce people to the relevant page.

[leehack]

Simon, get it written/documented down exactly what you actually want to achieve, it could save you hours of work. As Fergus has pointed out, there are simpler ways of doing things if what you are looking for is a simpler idea.

[Simon Williams]

Simon, if the drop down is going to contain actual products, selected from the catalog, then perhaps there is a better method.
i.e. if you need the drop down to show a list of products which when selected takes the browser to the product page.

Your drop-down could be made in its own layout in Actinic with the products appearing within it being selected by using a User Defined Variable (e.g. create a product variable called "UseInDropDown" with true/false option)
The drop down option values would be the product's section html filename and the content would be the product name. You would then simply require a standard javascript "jumpMenu" function to bounce people to the relevant page.

Hi Fergus,

Its pretty much as Lee says - it will be a jump menu for Red Jumpers where they would be mixed within sections of long sleeve, short sleeve, v-neck, brand-a, brand-b, brand-c -- but the customer has to have a red jumper.

Same as a seach really, but the customer just selects a pre-defined search criteria.

One of the problems needed to overcome would be, for example, the customer doesn't know if brand-a sells red jumpers.

I think it also gives the consumer more of an idea if the product is available to buy from a drop-down list as opposed to trawling through all the menus (if you see what I mean ??!!??)

Anyway, problem solved -- thanks again chaps.
Simon

[Simon Williams]

Simon, get it written/documented down exactly what you actually want to achieve, it could save you hours of work. As Fergus has pointed out, there are simpler ways of doing things if what you are looking for is a simpler idea.

Hi Lee,

Job done -- the jump to URL was absolutely perfect, and simple!

[leehack]

Cool, nice one. Make sure you show us when finished, may help others in the future too.
It's the kind of thing that should probably find it's way into the AUG in all honesty.

There are a number of things like this that can stop you having multiple sections with duplicated products all over the place. Maybe an area for the AUG to improve upon.

[Simon Williams]

Cool, nice one. Make sure you show us when finished, may help others in the future too.
It's the kind of thing that should probably find it's way into the AUG in all honesty.

There are a number of things like this that can stop you having multiple sections with duplicated products all over the place. Maybe an area for the AUG to improve upon.

Will do ...