User Story
As a reader using Hybrid Search, when I don’t see article title suggestions while typing a query, I want reassurance that I can still search and discover relevant content, so that I don’t assume Wikipedia lacks coverage.
Description
When a user in the Hybrid Search experiment types a query and no article title suggestions are available, repurpose the namespace toolbar area to act as a coverage affirmation and continuation signal.
Instead of appearing empty or inactive, the toolbar should communicate that:
- The query is still valid
- Search can proceed
- Relevant content may exist beyond exact article title matches
This behavior is designed to reduce premature abandonment caused by the absence of title-based suggestions.
Requirements
Trigger Conditions
- User is in the Hybrid Search experiment
- User is actively typing a query
Toolbar Behavior
- Namespace toolbar remains visible and active
- Toolbar presents an affirming message or state indicating that the user can continue searching
- Messaging does not imply lack of coverage or failure
- Toolbar visually signals “search continuation” rather than filtering
Search Execution
- User can proceed by:
- Pressing Enter / Search on the keyboard
- Tapping on query in toolbar
- Search executes using the full Hybrid Search pipeline
Scope
- Behavior applies only to the Hybrid Search experiment group
- Control group retains existing namespace toolbar behavior
Note: This is especially important for exploratory, semantic, or long-tail queries. Early Phase 0 findings indicate users often equate lack of title suggestions with lack of coverage. This task mitigates that assumption and supports the broader goal of encouraging intent-driven and semantic querying without adding cognitive load.
Design:
Gif highlighting behaviour:
Copy and Translation: TBA