eCommerce Search Filters Comparison: Traditional vs. AI-Powered Filter

The success of online fashion stores often hinges on one critical factor. How effortlessly can shoppers find what they’re looking for? At the heart of this discovery experience lies the functionality of eCommerce search filters. 

Leading companies in search filter technology are taking different approaches. Let's pick two names that represent opposite ends of the spectrum. One is company A, which sticks to the trusted traditional approach. The other is YesPlz AI, which applies the latest AI-driven technology. Which one truly delivers?  

Let’s put them to the test with a simple query for denim. We’ll see who comes out on top.   

A Test for the Denim Query

Imagine this scenario: Jen is on the hunt for something denim. With spring just around the corner in California, she is eager to refresh her wardrobe. She visits online fashion stores and types ‘Denim’ into their search bar. 

Among the results, a denim jacket catches her eye, leading her to explore further.   

She now uses search filters to quickly and accurately narrow options.

Which filter technology will perform better? A traditional filters? Or AI-powered fashion filters? Let’s find out.

The Current Standards of eCommerce Search Filters with Some Limitations

This website offers further design options. Among them, Jen discovers a filter titled ‘Leg Length.’ It includes three selections: Cropped, Long, and Regular. You can see them in the image below.

But wait! Leg Length for denim jackets? Something feels off here. Instead of triggering more relevant filters like Top Length or Sleeve Length, the website displays Leg Length. This attribute is typically associated with pants or jeans, not jackets. 

Now, Jen selects the Cropped option. This search filter returns both denim jackets and jeans, as shown below.

Click on one of these items, let’s say, AG jeans, to head to its product detail page. Jen sees that the word ‘cropped’ appears in its description. This explains why this unrelated item shows up in her search results. Jen feels frustrated and bounces off. 

This test exposes two common issues of the traditional search filters: noisy product description errors and irrelevant attributes. 

YesPlz AI: The Next-Generation eCommerce Search Filters with AI Automation

Now, let’s see how YesPlz AI handles this test for Jen. Thanks to its advanced keyword detection model, YesPlz AI accurately identifies Jen’s search intent. As a result, it correctly maps her intent to the appropriate filtering options like ‘Sleeves Length.’ The filter dynamically presents choices such as Long, Short, and Sleeveless.

Let’s say, Jen selects the Long option. The search filter refines the results to display only long-sleeved denim jackets. It filters out all irrelevant ones like sleeveless or short-sleeved designs. 

But Jen wants the denim jacket to have a fun and party vibe for her upcoming night out. Considering California’s chilly evenings, a stylish denim jacket would be the perfect choice. So, she uses the Occasions filter and selects the Night Out option. This filter helps instantly narrow down options to denim jackets with bold and playful designs. 

Best of all, these tags and categorizations are automatically powered by AI.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Before we dive into comparisons, take another look at the image of the AG jeans product detail page. Notice the Highlights section? It lists product attributes like ‘light blue,’ ‘cotton blend,’ and ‘washed denim.’ The more detailed these attributes are listed, the easier shoppers can find their ideal items. Tagging these attributes can be done manually or automatically. It depends on the retailer’s technology. 

Manual Tagging Process

Company A has the best filtering options so far. However, there’s still room for improvement. Their keyword-based eCommerce search filters rely on retailers manually tagging products. This process is prone to errors, such as irrelevant attributes and improper tagging. Any incorrect or missing tagging info can lead to a poor discovery experience.

Take the AG jeans example above. Its description contains an inaccurate tag ‘cropped leg.’ So, it appears in a search for ‘cropped denim jackets’ - a completely irrelevant result.

Automated Product Tagging

YesPlz AI approaches eCommerce search filters from an entirely new angle. It leverages computer vision to detect product features and automates the tagging process. This technology can tag 20 - 60 attributes for thousands of fashion items in just minutes. This eliminates the need for manual work. Even items without descriptions are accurately categorized. 

Plus, what sets YesPlz AI technology apart is its ability to go beyond basic filters. It captures product features that shoppers truly care about. This is thanks to insights from hundreds of hours of shopper interviews. Fashion items are tagged with shopper-valued attributes like silhouette, pattern, vibe, and occasion. As a result, shoppers can find exactly what they want, faster and with fewer frustrations. 

Ready to see the differences in action? Experience first-hand how YesPlz AI can revolutionize your eCommerce search filters. Request a live demo today. Don’t just take our word for it. You can see the transformation for yourself!