Search is no longer just about finding keywords—it’s about delivering personalized, relevant results in an increasingly complex digital space. But with so many options, how do you choose the right search technology for your website? This session will walk you through the evolution of search, helping you understand the trade-offs and benefits of different search mechanisms. 

We’ll break down popular technologies and when to use them:

  • Keyword Indexing: Simple and effective, but what are its limitations as content grows?
  • Document Indexing: Ideal for handling large volumes of text, but how do you manage search accuracy?
  • Graph Indexes: Understand relationships between data points for advanced search capabilities, but at what cost of complexity?
  • Vector Databases and AI: Explore how AI is transforming search by powering more intelligent and contextual results. 

We’ll explore how each of these tools works under the hood and how to make informed decisions about which technology fits your project’s needs. You’ll also learn how to overcome technical and organizational barriers and understand when it might make sense to use more than one search mechanism. By the end of this session, you’ll be empowered with the knowledge to explore and implement search solutions confidently, even if you’re new to these concepts. We’ll break down technical details in a way that’s approachable and encouraging, helping you navigate this ever-changing landscape with ease.

Audience: All Track(s): AI, Dev / DevOps, Site Building