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GLOSSARY

Query Intent Classification

Intent classification labels what a user wants (product, category, help). It routes the query to the right SERP, facets, or landing page.

What is Query Intent Classification?

Query intent classification predicts the purpose behind a query—transactional/product, category/browse, navigational/brand, informational/help, or account/policy—so the engine can render the most useful experience.

How It Works (quick)

  • Signals: Tokens/phrases, embeddings, entity/brand matches, session context.
  • Models: Rule + ML (transformers) trained on clicks/conversions.
  • Routing: Choose SERP type, preload facets, trigger Best Bets/redirects.
  • Feedback: Learn from reformulations and downstream actions.

Why It Matters in E-commerce

  • Sends “gift card” to the landing page, not a product grid.
  • Prefills size/brand facets for product-seeking queries.
  • Improves CTR, zero-results rescue, and support deflection.

Best Practices

  • Train per locale/category; keep override rules for legal/compliance pages.
  • Show subtle chips/badges indicating inferred intent (editable).
  • Log errors/backoffs; fail safe to generic SERP.

Summary

Detect intent, then shape the SERP and navigation accordingly—fewer dead ends, faster paths to purchase.

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See these concepts in action: semantic, typo-tolerant search for Shopify stores — implemented by Rapid Search