Worked example · simulated scenario

Recognizing an Empty Filter Result

A search for a celebratory breakfast may be narrower than the recipe collection can support. Zero Exact Matches is useful information. Any Closest Matches are separately labelled alternatives with a different cost, while meal type, diet and allergen restrictions stay fixed.

A cook chooses Breakfast and Special to look for a celebratory meal. The current catalog has no Special-cost breakfast recipes.

Change one filter, then compare

1. Choose Breakfast and Special in the generator.
2. Generate a meal and read the status area.
3. Clear the cost filter and generate again.

An empty search can be correct

The first search reports zero Exact Matches and labels any breakfast alternative as Closest Matches, with its different cost shown. Clearing Special allows an Exact Match when the remaining filters match the catalog.

Special describes a catalog tier, not the importance of the occasion. Clearing that choice broadens the breakfast search while leaving any other restrictions in place.

Broaden one filter at a time so you can see which choice changes the result.