From AskX to Ask3D

When we quietly created and launched an experimental search experience called AskX, back in December, We did it in response to the standard conventions of search: ho-hum seas of blue links no matter what the user query.

User testing shows us that the search audience has developed a new mode of speed reading across the screen. Their eyes dance down the results page as quickly as possible, mouse cursor flailing to quickly peek if the site on the other side of the click is truly meaningful. We've been calling it "Search Skim" and it implies a lot of wasted effort in every search.

This was one of the core thoughts behind today's totally revamped Ask.com search engine: there must be a better way to get users to the information they want.

After months of extensive development and testing and incorporating user feedback, we've turned AskX into Ask3D--a deeper, more vivid grasp of the big picture, helping you get better results, really fast.

The Fine Art of Surfacing

Ask3D offers that big picture by automatically "morphing" the search interface, choosing sources, ranking information, and offering tools differently for each different search you conduct. It brings the most pertinent stuff to your first results page, depending on what you're looking for. (More about this, and the "Morph" algorithm we use, in an upcoming post)

To illustrate, check out these two very different sample searches: Amy Winehouse and New York Weather.

Yep, we've still got the blue links in the center column, along with a specific Smart Answer about Ms. Winehouse above the links.

Now take a look at the right-hand column. You'll see four different content modules that reflect this search as well: results from Image search, audio search, news search, and an encyclopedia entry.

But it's not just the content that's unique. Depending on your search, you won't get the same modules every time--you'll get the ones most pertinent to your query.

Now take a look at New York Weather:

The smart answer is specific to the query (in fact, it's a weather search tool on its own):

And so are the modules to the right: Maps, images, related video, even the correct time.

In addition to standard search results, you'll receive search content specific to your query.

Ask3D is how we're doing our part to eliminate "Search Skim" and make search better and faster for everyone. Try it now and let us know what you think.

Scott Grieder & Erik Collier
Product Managers
The new Ask.com