Google test lets you influence your search results
Update 10:45 a.m. PT with Google comment.
Google is experimenting with a new Web search interface that allows people to influence the results they get by indicating whether or not they like particular results.
According to a page of instructions for a test feature on Google Experimental Labs clicking on a blue up arrow icon to the right of the result will move the item to the top of the page. Clicking on an orange asterisk will mark the result so you can easily see it in the list. And clicking on a blue "X" icon will delete the result and keep it hidden when you use the same keywords in the future.
You can also suggest better Web pages for a particular search. At the bottom of the results you can provide the URL for a page that is relevant to that particular keyword search and it will appear at the top with an orange asterisk next time you conduct that search.
A Google representative said the test is available to a limited number of people. "We're continually testing new interfaces and features to enhance the overall user experience. This is one such test, being run on Google Experimental. This is not live for all Google.com users," she wrote in an e-mail.
Typically, with Google Experimental Labs you go to the site and choose which search experiments to try out and you must be logged in to your Google account to see the changes reflected in your searches.
Other interface experiments you can sign up to use at Google Experimental Labs include timeline and map views of results, keyword suggestions and keyboard shortcuts.
Google search interface experiment lets you delete results, move them higher or add new ones.
(Credit: Google)
Elinor Mills covers Internet security and privacy. She joined CNET News in 2005 after working as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in Portugal and writing for The Industry Standard, the IDG News Service, and the Associated Press. E-mail Elinor.
