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IRR Guideline PDF
IRR Guideline PDF
Based on needs discussed by the SP/Organic SOP Alignment group, the following template for Irrelevant SOP
guideline is proposed. This SOP is in addition to the current ESCI guideline, while there is no judgement change in
ESC (Exact, Substitute, Complement), but below guideline to be followed additionally before annotating as
Irrelevant.
1.Guideline description — an attribute such as “size” or “brand” that affects relevance if not exactly matched,
requiring a guideline. Potentially, we may also write guidelines for issues other than attributes such as query-
ambiguity.
2.Conceptual criteria — description of a high-level rule describing what differentiates Irrelevant from Substitute or
Complement.
3.Examples (with discussion) — a set of examples to show how to apply the rules in difficult cases and how to
apply the conceptual criteria to cases not covered by objective rules. Discussion of each case is intended to define
principles and advice so that judges can operate with guided subjectivity rather than ad hoc and idiosyncratic
subjectivity.
Guideline Description: Age and size: Size (+1/-1) & age (+1/-1) up and down for Fashion and home furnishing will be
considered as substitute. More than or less than (+1/-1) age and size difference will be considered as Irrelevant.
Conceptual criteria: Based on brands there are size differences between size levels/ age. From a customer’s perspective,
due to brand differences, there can be size label fluctuations which can be mitigated by incorporating leniency in the SP
& A9 guidelines. Therefore, one year up and down and one size up and down will be universally labeled as substitute.
Any other gap in size will be considered as Irrelevant.
● Fashion -+1/-1 up and down to be considered for Clothing/ fashion. This is particularly applicable for the
categories below.
● Clothing & Accessories- Based on brands there are size differences (e.g. difference in brand Zara compared to
Uniqlo). From a customer’s perspective, due to brand differences, there can be size label fluctuations which can
be mitigated by incorporating leniency of +/-1 size & age. Therefore, one size up and down will be universally
labeled as substitute. Any other gap in size will be considered as Irrelevant.
1.1 Examples
E.g.- Red Nike shoe size 12 (UK) - size 12 (UK) is the non-negotiable attribute. Therefore, +1/-1 size up and down (size
11/13) can be considered as substitute. Any other size will be considered as Irrelevant.
Explanation: Judgement will be exact as the query is table cloth with no dimension/ measurement requested and
offered product is a table cloth. If asked for particular dimension/measurement, then apply+1/-1 rule and mark it
accordingly.
2. Query: Pillow
Explanation: Judgement will be exact as the query is pillow with no dimension/ measurement requested and offered
product is a pillow. If asked for particular dimension/measurement, then apply+1/-1 rule and mark it accordingly.
3.Query: Cushion
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083BB21SM
Explanation: Judgement will be exact as the query is cushion with no dimension/ measurement requested and offered
product is a pillow/cushion. If asked for particular dimension/measurement, then apply+1/-1 rule and mark it
accordingly.
4.Query: Carpet
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CMS68N3
5.Query: Towel
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YW41GDJ
Explanation: Judgement will be exact as the query is Towel with no dimension/ measurement requested and offered
product is a towel. If asked for particular dimension/measurement, then apply+1/-1 rule and mark it accordingly.
Exception – Do not apply +1/-1 rule for: Cushion cover / Pillows Cover/ Fitted sheets/ Duvet cover/ Bed sheet/mattress/
Curtain. -+1/-1 up and down will not fit into the insert/mattress and therefore exact sizes would be required and this
rule will not be applicable. In these cases, the annotator needs to go to the detail page to check if the widget has the
exact size, if yes, the query can be marked as exact as the size here is a non-negotiable attribute. If the size is different or
not mentioned, then it is will Irrelevant.
Explanation:- If the query is for 16X16 inches and the detailed page has that particular size like the example above- it
will be labeled as Exact. However, if the query is for 24X24 inches, then this ASIN will be Irrelevant.
Explanation: If the query is for Oversized king size duvet cover and the detailed page has that particular size like the
example above- it will be labeled as Exact. However, if the query is for queen size duvet cover, then this ASIN will be
Irrelevant.
Explanation: If the query is for door curtain of a particular size (e.g. 100" x 96"| 1 Panel) and the detailed page has that
particular size like the example above- it will be labeled as Exact as the size is the non-negotiable factor, any other size
will be Irrelevant. However, if the query is of just a door curtain, any size would be exact.
Age- +1/-1 years up and down for kids/ toddler/teenager clothing and accessories and +1/-1 size for infant clothing
and accessories to be considered as Substitute.
Explanation: If the search query is for a 3-6 months baby clothes, depending on the size of the baby even 0-3 months/ 6-
9 months baby clothes can fit. Hence, can be considered as Substitute.
11.Query: Shoes
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MCWSKYW
pg. 9 Amazon Confidential
If the search query is for a 12-18 months baby shoes, depending on the size of the baby even 6-12 months/ 18-24
months baby shoes can fit. Hence, can be considered as Substitute.
If the query contains the weight & height of the baby the annotator should investigate to check the actual size required
by the baby and apply the +1/-1 rule. (Refer to Amazon PDP size/age chart if available, otherwise Google search)
Guideline Description: From a customer’s perspective anything that meets the purpose should be considered as
substitute.
If the Query key-word is unavailable in the detailed page, annotators need to go down the ladder to check the presence
of the key-word. Even if the key-word is not present and the product can work as a substitute of the queried product,
ASIN (can suffice for the purpose that the customer is looking at) to be considered as substitute.
This would encourage the process of investigation/research amongst annotators in order to understand/research the
product well, not just the product type but also the purpose. The customer may not be completely satisfied due to the
missing key-word, the missing key-word can also exist in the customer reviews which today is not investigated by the
annotators. The search for the main attribute in the query should be completely investigated before labeling.
E.g.: Query : Dog Perfume and ASIN below serve the same purpose. Therefore, considering as substitute.
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKWD7HZ
2.1 Examples:
Positive Example:
Explanation: The search query is medication for migraine and ASIN is a migraine head wrap which can relieve the
headache. Since the purpose is same this can be considered as Substitute.
3. Query : treadmill
ASIN: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B075D8BB4K
Explanation: Search query is for a coffee grinder and ASIN is a multipurpose crusher which can also be used for crushing
coffee. Since the crusher cannot grind to the extent of a grinder, it will be marked as substitute. If offered product was a
grinder (ASIN- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CSKGLMM ), then it is Exact.
Negative Example:
5.Query : TV
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087N3JPLF
Explanation: Search query is a fan for house, but the ASIN is a fan for iPhone. The Fan in the ASIN won’t suffice the
function of cooling the house. Hence it should be marked as Irrelevant.
Exception: If the query has adjectives like “cute”, “large”, “small” etc. and the keyword is not there in ASIN detail page
then it depends on the discretion of the judges. Example 1: if the query is for a big artificial plant and the ASIN shows a
3-inch plant it would be considered as “Substitute”. However, for a big plant if the ASIN shows 10 feet long plant,
judgement would be “Exact”.
Guideline Description: Electronics that meets the purpose should be considered as substitute. This Guideline is
extension of the previous guideline of purpose as understanding the customer perspective is subjective.
Conceptual criteria: From a customer perspective electronics that meets the purpose should be considered as substitute
as it would provide more alternatives to customers. This Guideline is extension of the previous guideline of purpose as
understanding the customer perspective is subjective.
The reason why electronics is specially mentioned is because there are more than 20 subcategories of electronics,
computer and smart home that are grouped as Electronics. Also, associated compatibility attributes are unique to this
category e.g.- like current, voltage, storage, memory etc. needs to be checked before labeling.
3.1 Example:
Query: Apple iPhone unlocked 64GB black
The above query has 4 attributes – Black: Color, Apple: Brand, Mobile phone: PT, 64GB: Memory.
Exact: If the ASIN’s attributes match all the four above, it is an Exact match.
Substitute- If the purpose matches, Samsung phone instead of Apple iPhone, it would still be considered as Substitute. In
this case it is important to check the placement of the ASIN search page.
Irrelevant- Samsung charger, Samsung case will be Irrelevant.
Complement- iPhone charger, iPhone case, head phone, etc.
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082NSVWJY
Explanation: The query is for monopod for D500 with zoom lens and the offered product just supports monopod/
tripod. Hence Substitute.
Guideline Description: Two different lead products from the same brand can be marked as Complement, if they fall under
same product category. Brand affinity is to be considered in irrelevant cases, where query and shown product are not
exact match or cannot substitute each other or are not used together products. But we would still consider shown product
as Complementary as both products are from same brand and fall under same category. Here we consider query and
shown product as complementary not because both are used together products, but considering the possibility that
Conceptual criteria: Brand affinity is a personal or emotional connection forged between customer and a brand. From a
customer’s perspective, they might be interested in seeing similar category product offerings from same brand.
Therefore, considering this emotional connection between customer and brand and labelling as Complement to the
customer query.
Exceptions:
● Brand affinity is not considered for medical and supplements products as the same brand can manufacture
medicine for different diseases as well. For such medical products, purchase decision of customer would be
strictly based on disease.
● Different gender/age group.
● Incompatibility of products.
● Products for different pets.
● Products related to different religion.
● Products for different sports.
● When shown product is an accessory for another lead product.
4.1 Example:
Explanation: Shown product is a Dove deodorant stick. Both products are for personal care but have different uses.
Customer who have a brand affinity towards Dove brand might be interested to try a different product offering from
same brand and may find this useful. Therefore, labelling as Complement.
Explanation: ‘Benadryl fever tablets’ and shown is Anti-itch gel from Benadryl. Here both are from same brand and
product category (medicine) but labelling as irrelevant since customers would be buying medicines based on
illness/purpose of medicine, not brand
Explanation: Query is ‘Nike shoes for men’ and shown is Nike branded shoes for women. Even though both are same
product from same brand, Gender/Age difference concept overrules brand affinity and becomes irrelevant to customer.
Explanation: Angelady buddist necklace’ and shown is a Christian necklace from angelady brand. Both query and shown
products are from same brand but are related to two different religions (Christianity vs Buddhism). Considering the
sensitivity of such cases, ignoring brand affinity and marking as irrelevant.
Explanation: Query is Champro cricket jersey and shown product is a football jersey from Champro. Even though
both are sports products from same brand, we would mark it as irrelevant as both products belong to different
sports.
Guideline Description: For books related queries, any book related to same topic irrespective of target audience to
marked as Substitute.
Conceptual criteria: The reader (customer) might be interested in other books on the same topic. Therefore, in books
related queries any book related to the same topic irrespective of the target audience would be marked as substitute.
There can be new-released/ books released earlier (that the shopper might not have seen), which might intrigue their
desire to buy other books related to the same topic. This is different from the search relevance’s book SOP which
emphasizes importance to the target audience before marking it as substitute.
5.1Example:
Positive
Explanation: The search query is a medical book to understand medical conditions during cancer, treatment etc. The
search result however is a guide to cancer patients on spiritual survival. Hence marked substitute.
3.Query is “Cookbook”
Explanation: Query is just cook book and the ASIN is cook book for fatty liver, it is considered as Exact. But if the query is
“Cook book for thyroid” and the result is “Cook book for fatty liver”, then it is Irrelevant.
Guideline Description:
Clothing and Accessories- If for a search query the ASIN shows related products to the queried product, related
products to be considered as Complement. Relation can be 1) direct- e.g. Printer & printer ink, stapler and compatible
stapler pins, 2) Indirect – e.g. Dress & Scarf, Table & Chair, washing machine and Compatible Detergent tablets, 3)
Restricted Products- e.g. Search query is for Toys for the kids and the ASIN shows toys for adults to be considered as
Irrelevant.
pg. 24 Amazon Confidential
Conceptual criteria for the new guideline- The Conceptual criteria of this rule is if a customer is interested in the main
product he might be also interested in products that can be used along with the main product/instead of the main
product e.g. customer who is interested in a jumpsuit can also be interested to buy a pair of trousers/ shirt. This will
intrigue a desire to buy other available options. The annotator would have to use his person discretion to relate if the
query matches the emotional desire/want of the customer. Also, gender & age should be taken into consideration for
apply this labeling guideline.
6.1 Examples:
Positive examples:
Explanation: With the formal blazer the customer can be also interested in compatible pants. Hence should be marked
as Complement.
Explanation: Query is traditional saree, ASIN given is traditional jewelry which can be worn together therefore can be
considered as Complement.
Explanation: Query is for MacBook Air 13-inch laptop and shown is a protective case compatible with MacBook Air 13-
inch laptops. Thus, query was for a lead product (‘lead product’ definition given in Appendix) and shown is an accessory
which is compatible with the lead product. Therefore, marking as Complement to the search query.
Explanation: Query is for bean bag and shown is a bean bag filler. Here, there is no lead product as both products
depend on each other to function. Both products go hand in hand and are used together. Therefore, marking as
Complement to the query.
Negative Examples:
Explanation: Both of them are clothing and for the same gender but usually not worn together. Hence should be marked
as “Irrelevant”.
8.Query: Eyeliner
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T3RFDJ5
Explanation: Query is for eyeliner and shown product is a lipstick. Both are face makeup products, where one is for eye
makeup and other is for lips. But these two products are not used together products. Therefore, considering as
irrelevant to the search query
Guideline Description: If the search query is related to a particular theme/occasion and the corresponding ASIN shows
up product related to same theme/occasion ASIN is marked as Complement.
Conceptual criteria for the new guideline: From a customer perspective theme/occasion share a common value. The
customer might be interested in other products belonging to the same theme/occasion. Different ranges of products
under the same theme/occasion can educate shoppers on new/ not-known products available which would in turn
intrigue desire to buy different products belonging to the same theme/occasion. Theme/occasion can also refer to
festivals/parties. Example: wedding, birthday, anniversary, Christmas, Halloween, Diwali, Onam etc. Theme is an idea or
point that is central to a story, which can often be summed in a single word usually related to leisure, venue, topic,
subject, etc.
7.1 Examples:
Positive examples:
Explanation: Query and shown products are different product types, but are avengers movie themed. A customer
searching specifically for avengers themed wall sticker is considered to be an avenger’s movie fan, and might be
interested in seeing more products which are same movie themed. Hence Complement.
Explanation: Query is ‘Birthday banner and shown is badge for birthday. Here both are of different product type but
shares a common value, hence should be marked as Complement.
Negative examples:
Explanation: Query is “Thanksgiving flag” and the ASIN shown is Christmas flag. Here both the product type is matching
but doesn’t share common value or is used for different occasion. Hence should be marked as Irrelevant.
If the offer product was neutral or plain flag that can still be used, then it will be considered as substitute.
Explanation: Query and shown product are both t-shirts. But customer was specifically looking for t-shirt to be worn on
Easter occasion and shown t-shirt is worn on 4th of July. Thus, same products for two different occasion will be
irrelevant.
Explanation: Both query and shown product are for birthday occasion. But customer searching for the décor was
specifically looking for 60-year themed décor, and shown is a 52-year themed birthday cake topper. Thus, the age
difference here makes the product irrelevant to the search query.
Guideline Description: If the query has one word with the search category as “APS” (All product Search), and the
corresponding ASIN has 75% + score in the QU portal (console.harmony ), then the ASIN would be marked as Exact, if
75%- 15% it would be considered as Substitute & if lower than 15% it would be marked as Un-judgeable.
If QU Portal is not accessible due to restriction, then follow the research methodology of looking for the keyword in the
PDP page/ description ladder/ Customer review. If found/matched then mark it as exact. If not, then mark it as
unjudgeable if you are unable to identify or Irrelevant if the product doesn’t match the purpose of the query.
8.1 Examples:
Positive examples:
1.Query: Waterproof
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLZP5LN
Explanation: Dry bag will be considered as Un-judgeable as the % in the QU tool shows less than 15%.
Exception: Waterproof and water resistant is not the same, hence should be marked as “Unjudgeable”.
Explanation: Query is for “Metal” and ASIN shows Iron patio chair, Iron is the synonym for metal therefore the ASIN is
marked as “Exact”.
3.Query: Father
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071GMSTYC
Explanation: Console shows Downloadable movie with score of 87% for “Father” query, therefore to be considered as
Exact. Accordingly, for this example any downloadable movie with the keyword Father would be considered as Exact.
Case 9: Genre
pg. 36 Amazon Confidential
Guideline Description: If the ASIN for a queried product belongs to the same genre, ASIN to be labeled as
“Complement”. This rule categories separately as it encompasses not only books but a style type, category of art, music
literature or movies/shows.
Conceptual criteria for the new guideline: In reviewing books/arts/music/movies/style genre plays the most integral
role. Offering products of same/similar genre will increase the possibility of customers opting for another product in the
same genre. therefore, intriguing a desire to buy new product lines/products.
9.1 Examples:
Positive examples:
Explanation: Customer who is interested in Jazz music might also be interested in Jazz dance video, hence marking it as “
Complement.
Explanation: Customer who is interested in horror movies might also be interested in Horror genre books, hence
marking it as “Complement.
Negative examples:
Explanation: Customer who is interested in Eminem (genre: Hip hop/rap music) might not be interested in classical
music, hence marking it as “Irrelevant”.
Guideline Description-: If the query is for products not sold on Amazon like cat, dog, gun and car etc., and the ASIN
shows product related to the same query, which can be used for/buy the product not sold on Amazon to be marked as
Exact. However, merchandise which only depicts items that are not sold (printed posters, pet printed tshirt/mugs,
poster of cars, toy or airsoft gun, Image of gun etc.) would be considered as Irrelevant.
Conceptual criteria for the new guideline: Since the term is broad and not available/sold on Amazon, offering products
related to the same search query would definitely help customers in picking appropriate/relevant products which can be
used by/for by the initial search query.
10.1 Examples:
Positive examples:
1.Query: Cat
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YYV2M92
Explanation: Query is “Cat” and ASIN shown is a cat food. Query is not sold on amazon, any product related to the query
to be marked as “Exact”.
pg. 38 Amazon Confidential
2.Query: Gun
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TM45FRS
Explanation: Query is “Gun” and ASIN shown is a gun safe. Query is not sold on amazon, any product related to the
query to be marked as “Exact”.
Negative examples:
3.Query: Cat
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083HXMYJ2
Explanation: Here, search query is cat, and customer intent is unclear whether he is looking for cat pet products or cat
kids toys or cat designed products etc. Shown product is a dog figurine. Since customer is not specifying the product
he/she is looking for and the shown product ASIN doesn’t contain cat word, we are marking irrelevant in such
ambiguous cases.
Incase the category is Toys and asking for Cat toy, then another pet toy can be considered substitute. (same as ESCI
guideline).
4.Query: Car
ASIN: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QJ79MLJ
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Appendix
Lead product and accessories: A product which can fulfill its basic use/purpose by its own, without depending on another
product would be considered as a lead product. An accessory would be anything which can be added to the lead product
in order to enhance its usage (to make it more useful, versatile or attractive). If not used with a lead product, an accessory
would fail to function. For example, pillow vs pillow case. Here pillow is the lead product as it can function with/without
the addition of pillow case. A pillow case is considered as accessory to pillow as it will enhance the usage of pillow, but is
of no use if not used with a pillow.
● Samsung phone vs Samsung earbuds: Samsung phone is the lead product, as the basic functionality of calling is
achieved without depending on another product. Whereas a headphone depends on a phone (which is the lead
product) for functioning/fulfilling its basic purpose. If not used with a phone, headphone is purposeless. Therefore,
headphone is considered as an accessory for phone.
● Makeup brush vs makeup brush cleaner: A makeup brush can be a lead product as it can be used directly to apply
makeup. But the usefulness of a brush cleaner is dependent on makeup brush. Therefore, we would call it as an
accessory for the makeup brush.
● Curtain vs curtain rod: A curtain would require a curtain rod to hang. So, in this case both products go hand in
hand and are interdependent on each other to function. Therefore, there are no lead product in this case.
● Office desk vs office chair: Here, both desk and chair are two different independent products which can be used
together (complementary products). Therefore, no lead product exists in this scenario.