Content curation and product linking system and method

A computer-implemented method of operating a user-searchable database system of curated, themed digital content data, comprising steps of:

• operating a Connects function to process and store heterogeneous digital content comprising topic data as curated topic data and identified connections between each topic and other topics;
• operating a user interface to enable users to search the curated topics and present a search results page in a way that invites further investigation of topics searched, including a list or compilation of topics matching terms defining the search;
• and
• displaying topic elements corresponding to the list or compilation of matching topics in prioritized order based on each of the topic's relatedness to the search.

A database system, comprising:

• a Connects function configured to process imported topic content data to realize stored, indexed topic data records, including topic data content, topic connections data and rankings or scores defining a relatedness between the topical data content comprising the topical data records;
• a user interface function configured to receive users' search queries to search the indexed topic data records, in cooperation with the topic Connects data and rankings or scores associated with the topical data records by the Connects function and, to present search results in a screen environment that invites and enables the user further investigation of the search results;
• a ThemedSubjects function configured to select any of a set of pre-prepared themed subjects stored as themed subject records that embody descriptions of editorially curated relationships between a particular subset of topics;
• and
• a Shops function configured to select product data stored as product records or product metadata, in association with a topic or themed subject.