So I have a search box which allows you to search for people by first name or three other identifiers.
The search box is limited to show only 12 responses maximum. Which when divided by 4 categories is a simple 3 from each. 3,3,3,3
If for example one of the categories of the search threw up no results I can display four of each. And so on and so on. 4,0,4,4. 6,0,0,6, 12,0,0,0
Problem A occurs when the category set returns less than the required 3, but not zero. In this case what would one show? 3,1,3,3? Or would the user expect us to be clever and attempt 4,1,4,3.
Problem B occurs with the limit in general. What if the result sets return more? For example I search John, 13 Johns are found and the particular John the user is looking for just happens to be 13 (don’t forget limited to 12, I can increase limit but where do you draw the line?)
So my questions first and foremost are their any simple solutions to this anyone can think of? Failing that what alternatives to typeahead can be used?
I was thinking perhaps an entry on the bottom, “click to see more” but would love to hear other suggestions.