Is there any way in which the new format makes searching records quicker or more efficient?
Does the new format provide any advantages over the old search system?
If there is a specific advantage or new feature please explain how to find and use it.
If not why was the old system changed?
So far I have not found a positive review among all the comments and questions raised here about the new format.
I too find it very difficult to navigate and, unlike with the previous system, no longer feel 'in charge' of my searches.
Answers
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We are happy to share some ideas on how to enjoy the new look and Search features for Search Records and record results page.
The Search Records update is inviting and helpful for our new users, but the features that our experienced users love are still available, even though it has a new outward appearance.
The update provides a new look and feel, but just click on “more options” to see the more familiar search page for a more specific search. The same search engine is the gate to finding wonderful records.
On the new Search Historical Records page, there is a wonderful link for “Tips for Effective Searches.” We hope that the explanations to what a historical record is and how records help us learn about our family are helpful for experienced users as well as for beginners.
As you get used to the new features in the search results page, you may discover new features that can help in sorting, saving and viewing your record search results. Many of our guests are discovering marvelous ways to use the new features. These updates may be challenging at first, but a great deal of work, research and experienced planning has gone into this update for our benefit. Please give it some time. Experience the search. Experiment with each feature. We hope that you will grow to love the new update to FamilySearch records search.
May we suggest some articles from the Help Center.
Best practices and search tips for historical records. https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/when-i-am-searching-historical-records-what-are-the-best-practices-and-tips
How do I filter the search results in historical records? https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/filter-the-search-results-in-historical-records
How do I change how search results in historical records are formatted? https://www.familysearch.org/help/helpcenter/article/how-do-i-change-the-format-of-the-search-results-in-historical-records
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The question was: "Does the new format provide any advantages over the old search system?"
So, I assume @ChrisLHill should take that as a "no" then?
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Chris
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Short Answer(s): NO; NO; and, That is EXACTLY what many of us have been asking.
There is very little, if anything, positive, that can be said about the NEW "Results" page/screen, of "Records Search" ('FamilySearch').
You are not alone ...
Despite, ALL the of NEGATIVE 'Feedback', from the 10% (or, so) of Users/Patrons, who were EXPOSED (ie. had the access 'foisted' upon them), to the NEW "Results" page/screen, of "Records Search" ('FamilySearch'), in the "Production" (ie. "Live") Environment; BEFORE, such was RELEASED to ALL Users/Patrons ... 'FamilySearch' STILL went ahead with the release.
That, in itself, says a lot, for the INPUT (ie. 'Feedback') of us 'lowly' Users/Patrons - ie. such means NAUGHT ...
Just my thoughts.
Brett
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I've given up using FamilySearch for all but the simplest searches and no longer recommend the site to friends who are just starting to research their family.
Once a name and date had been entered the previous system provided both an immediate wide range of results and allowed this to be filtered by just one click on the list of records available. Navigating the new presentation requires far more 'click' operations simply to find particular records; it is not intuitive or transparent.
'Help' sections are verbose but not easy to relate to practical problems
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