How to build scoped search suggestions and search query corrections

Optimizing ecommerce search functionality is crucial for retaining customers, as ineffective searches can lead to a significant abandonment rate. To enhance the user experience, two key features can be implemented: scoped search suggestions and search query corrections, often referred to as "Did you mean?" suggestions. Scoped search suggestions help users refine their searches by suggesting queries within specific categories or brands, addressing the challenge of large product catalogs with multiple categories. This feature can be implemented using Search UI and Elastic by utilizing analytics data to build a list of common queries and associated scopes, which are then indexed for use. On the other hand, the "Did you mean?" feature aims to correct user input errors by suggesting alternative queries when an initial search yields no or few results. This can be implemented by setting up a backend API that leverages Elasticsearch's capabilities to provide syntactically similar suggestions based on popular queries. Both features can be integrated into existing search experiences to improve user satisfaction and ensure that users find desired products more efficiently, ultimately enhancing the overall search experience on ecommerce platforms.