‘a google a day’ search puzzle by google

with ‘a google a day‘, the california-based search engine company offers a new, timed puzzle each morning in an effort to help users improve their searching skills.

the microsite uses the company’s ‘deja google’ technology to offer a version of google as it existed before the publication of the day’s puzzle, thus eliminating the chance that searchers too easily come across the exact solution. the game takes the form of a hide-able toolbar just below the google search page, offering users one click access to search tips, previous puzzles, and other information.

developed by daniel russell and now available after a beta trial last spring, the game features questions both invented by google and submitted by users. by providing tips about advanced search features– like showing results only from a particular website or keywords found only in a page’s title (‘site:’ and ‘intitle:’ respectively)– google hopes the puzzles will help users hone their searches for increased productivity.

‘a google a day’ is also available as a toolbar gadget.

google a day search puzzle examples of the daily questions, visible via a toolbar below the search page

google a day search puzzle featuring pop-up windows of helpful tips, the game is designed to help users become more savvy web searchers

via wired