Admin configuration settings search box in the Admin navigation bar

While this function is available in the Developers Tool kit, it is most useful for an admin, not a developer, and is hidden/not obvious in there.
It is the only thing for which I ever use the Tool kit.

What would be the "background" screen result? Ie. Would only the results be expected to be provided or would it be to just add the search box such that it access the developer's tool kit functionality for searching on that one field? What of the three/four buttons that currently exist adjacent to the text box? An admin configuration setting or more screen space taken?

Where in the admin screen would it go, for example on a mobile device the space is already limited and current options are provided in the dropdown menu other than the orders button and perhaps gift certificate queue located at the top.

The more I think about it, it seems even a better idea for a mobile device, if implemented as an instant search type, to avoid all the hunting and scrolling.
I wouldn't say space is limited there seems to be plenty of spare space for a field in all widths:

I think an instant search field could end up being the most useful thing on an admin page.

What about the other questions related to functionality and choosing? Trying to encourage development and thoughtful design. :)

Maybe I am missing something, but why would I want a permanent search box on my admin screen?

Design75:

Maybe I am missing something, but why would I want a permanent search box on my admin screen?
Personally, I get it. I think the idea is targeting those that are new users or one that has infrequently had to make changes (not a developer in either case). Certainly already stated from a slightly self based view.

An alternative approach may be to rename the tool to something like file and configuration search. It's a longer name of course but possibly more descript and possibly more understandable to a less experienced user.

As to why have a search tool always available, could almost equate it to the store side. If in the admin and want to find something directly associated with the controllable options, why not have a place readily available. The catalog side has both the ever present search tool, but also has a specific place to be visited to perform a search.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Thanks for your explanation. Still not convinced, but that may be just my fault :laugh:. A lot of admin pages already have a search box. Going back in surveillance mode, and see where this thread is going.

mc12345678:

Personally, I get it. I think the idea is targeting those that are new users or one that has infrequently had to make changes (not a developer in either case). Certainly already stated from a slightly self based view.

An alternative approach may be to rename the tool to something like file and configuration search. It's a longer name of course but possibly more descript and possibly more understandable to a less experienced user.

As to why have a search tool always available, could almost equate it to the store side. If in the admin and want to find something directly associated with the controllable options, why not have a place readily available. The catalog side has both the ever present search tool, but also has a specific place to be visited to perform a search.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Design75:

Thanks for your explanation. Still not convinced, but that may be just my fault :laugh:. A lot of admin pages already have a search box. Going back in surveillance mode, and see where this thread is going.

Well, it's a valid question especially when considering the impact of adding/providing the feature. I mean I could see others wanting to then remove it as it toys with their display, but seems like there needs to be a balance between new and experienced to be reached.

I reason that if I can't find a setting that I know exists, in a few seconds, then it is not in a logical place to begin with. If that happens to me after 10 years, what about new users: all the options can be bewildering.

If the big picture for ZC that they want "everyone" to use it, I just think anything that enhances usability is a positive.

It could be an optional thing of course, I would have thought it would be more useful on mobile, not so much as a search and find but as an instant shortcut to avoid scrolling about.

if we are talking real estate on the page, there is a whole pulldown menu for configuration. install a few add-ons, and that menu gets quite long.

is the config stored under maximum values, product listing, or stock?

example, search for product in the developers tool config search; on one of my dev systems, that comes up in over 20 different groups. what a pain to find the one that one is looking for!

and with regards to why specific configs are stored in which groups, well you got me. min values, max values? those are actually groups? everyone has a different opinion about which group a config should be in... and what groups there should be.

searching for a config is the easiest way to go, in my mind.

and with regards to the rest of the items on the developers tool kit, grep is a wonderful tool. i use it frequently.... i would say daily... maybe hourly.... but always on the command line and never from the toolkit.

best.