Add search suggestions feature with improved filtering and UI

memory-bank/features/ride-search-improvements.md

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+# Ride Search HTMX Improvements
+
+## User Experience Improvements
+
+### 1. Smart Search Suggestions
+- Real-time search suggestions as users type
+- Shows matching ride names, parks, and categories
+- Includes helpful context (e.g., number of matching rides)
+- Keyboard navigation support (arrow keys, escape)
+- Auto-completes selected suggestions
+
+### 2. Quick Filter Buttons
+- Common filters readily available (e.g., "All Operating", "Roller Coasters")
+- One-click filtering with icons for visual recognition
+- Maintains context when switching between filters
+
+### 3. Active Filter Tags
+- Shows currently active filters as removable tags
+- Clear visual indication of search state
+- One-click removal of individual filters
+- "Clear All Filters" button when any filters are active
+
+### 4. Smarter Search
+- Split search terms for more flexible matching
+- Matches against name, park name, and description
+- More forgiving search (finds partial matches)
+- Shows result count for better feedback
+
+### 5. Visual Feedback
+- Added spinner animation during search
+- Clear loading states during AJAX requests
+- Improved placeholder text with examples
+- Better field labels and hints
+
+## Technical Implementation
+
+### Search Suggestions System
+```python
+def get_search_suggestions(request):
+    """Smart search suggestions"""
+    # Get common ride names
+    matching_names = rides_qs.filter(
+        name__icontains=query
+    ).values('name').annotate(
+        count=Count('id')
+    ).order_by('-count')[:3]
+
+    # Get matching parks
+    matching_parks = Park.objects.filter(
+        Q(name__icontains=query) |
+        Q(location__city__icontains=query)
+    )
+
+    # Add category matches
+    for code, name in CATEGORY_CHOICES:
+        if query in name.lower():
+            suggestions.append({...})
+```
+
+### Improved Search Logic
+```python
+def get_queryset(self):
+    # Split search terms for more flexible matching
+    search_terms = search.split()
+    search_query = Q()
+    
+    for term in search_terms:
+        term_query = Q(
+            name__icontains=term
+        ) | Q(
+            park__name__icontains=term
+        ) | Q(
+            description__icontains=term
+        )
+        search_query &= term_query
+```
+
+### Component Organization
+- `search_suggestions.html`: Dropdown suggestion UI
+- `search_script.html`: JavaScript for search behavior
+- `ride_list.html`: Main template with filter UI
+- `ride_list_results.html`: Results grid partial
+
+## Results
+1. More intuitive search experience
+2. Faster access to common filters
+3. Better feedback on search state
+4. More accurate search results
+5. Cleaner, more organized interface
+
+## Benefits
+1. Users can find rides more easily
+2. Reduced need for precise search terms
+3. Clear visual feedback on search state
+4. Faster access to common searches
+5. More discoverable search features