Vector Search

Vector Search explained

Someone searching for “a laptop for a daily train commute” expresses a need rather than a product number. Vector search may retrieve descriptions about mobility or battery life. Requirements such as a particular port or price limit still need separate checks.

A search system may combine exact lookup for identifiers, vector similarity for different wording and filters for firm requirements. Such combinations are often called hybrid search. Compare them with actual tasks to determine what works better.

For knowledge assistants, retrieval can precede answer generation. It does not make the subsequent answer automatically accurate. Evaluate both stages: do results contain the required information, and does the answer use it correctly?

A practical starting point is to collect recurring questions, identify suitable results and add difficult counterexamples. Include similar product names, outdated versions and questions the collection cannot answer. This creates a useful test beyond a persuasive demonstration.