Conducting search sessions utilizing navigation patterns

A method being performed by one or more computing devices including at least one processor, the method for conducting search sessions utilizing recorded navigation patterns, the method comprising:

• receiving a first search query from a user as part of a first search session, the first search query having at least one search term of a particular type;
• receiving a first instruction to begin recording the first search session;
• receiving a search navigation pattern comprising the first search session;
• receiving a second instruction to terminate recording the first search session;
• and
• storing the search navigation pattern and the at least one search term of the first search query, including the particular type, in association with one another.

A system comprising:

• a search engine having one or more processors and one or more computer-readable storage media;
• a data store coupled with the search engine,
• wherein the search engine:
• receives a search query from a first user, the search query having at least one search term of a particular type;
• recognizes that at least one prior search session having a search term of the particular type has been conducted by at least one of the first user and a second user that differs from the first user, the at least one prior search session having a search navigation pattern associated therewith;
• conducts a search session utilizing the at least one search term by following the search navigation pattern;
• and
• provides a plurality of search results in response to the second search query, at least a portion of the plurality of search results being associated with an intermediate step within the search navigation pattern.