Currently in object picker, old search or new one, when window open it show all assets from entire project that is infinite number of item to choose. Each time we need to scroll that big list to find what we need.
In case of empty field (when no asses was assigned) we have no other option that show all asset of project.
But in case of ObjectField with some referenced asset we can assume that User want to change referenced asset and that new asset will be in the same directory as previous (like choose another icon, or reference another mob…) so we can add directory filter that show only assets from that same directory on object picker open.
In rare case when new asset in another directory user will just change or clear filter and search in entire project.
So please add default directory filter in new search object picker.
Or at least option in preferences for this behavior.
This is a good suggestion. I will add it to our backlog.
In the meantime here are some tips that could help you improve the Advanced picker workflow:
You can use the [SearchContextAttribute] (Unity - Scripting API: SearchContextAttribute) to specify an initial query for a specific object reference. Example you have a field that needs a material to be assigned and that material needs to have a specific names or specific properties you can use this attribute to control what initial query will be run.