After working with Yahoo Mindset there seems to be the seed of a good idea here. As the slider pictured above shows Mindset allows users to determine where they are on the Shopping to Research continuum and help to narrow down the search results to help the user get appropriate results. The concept is definitely interesting. As with any new idea it is also in need of refinement. First I'm not sure the scale of research vs. shopping works well for many searches. Of three searches I tried on a variety of topics from computers to homes and refrigerators, the results were disappointing with the best results still coming from Yahoo.

The concept and the interface deserve following, however. With a great AJAX interface the slider works seamlessly and could be a boon to libraries desirous of having the ability to search and then allowing patrons to narrow or broaden the search to see fewer or more results. Possibly an advanced search users will really spend time with. Prior to implementation thought has to be given to how such technology will work with screen readers and other adaptive technologies.