Filters and facets

Letter F

Ways to narrow a set by attributes. Facets describe several dimensions at once; they are not just another menu.

Updated:

Working definition

Filters narrow a set by criteria. Facets are filters across several dimensions at once (type, topic, status, price), derived from real content attributes.

They are not just another menu. They need a consistent content model and taxonomy: if the attribute does not exist or each team names it differently, the facet lies.

Relation to IA

IA decides which properties matter. Search and facets make them actionable.