Abstract: A plurality of search results and a plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements are provided simultaneously (101) via a display (200). These search results correspond to a general search conducted using a plurality of search criteria. The aforementioned user interface elements, in turn, each correspond to at least one of these search criteria. So configured and arranged, the plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements serve to illustrate current weighting values as correspond to the search criteria as are applied when determining a presentation order for the search results. Upon detecting (104) direct user alteration of a given one of the user-alterable graphic user interface elements, which alteration causes a change in the weighting value that corresponds to a given one of the user-alterable graphic user interface elements, one can then automatically alter (105) the presentation order for the search results.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remember and attempt to persist relative differences between automatically adjusted current weight values for non-directly adjusted graphic user interface elements, notwithstanding previous automatic adjustment of these current weighting values to a point of equality. A plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements are provided (101), with each element corresponding to at least one alterable selection criteria. The plurality of user-alterable graphic user interface elements illustrate current weighting values, wherein the aggregate sum of the current weighting values comprises a particular value. A user then alters (102) a graphic user interface element, causing a change in the corresponding weighting value.