Search Box Design Practices

8 Tips to build a great search box

A search box is a simple UI element composed of an input box and a search action. A well-designed search box is not just a convenience, it is a core element of good UX.

Content-heavy, product-focused, and SaaS applications require a user-friendly search experience. In these applications, users find it very convenient to search for the desired options. They perform the search action frequently and expect quick and efficient results.

This article will explore 8 essential best practices for designing an effective search box that helps users find what they need easily and efficiently.

1. Clear call to action

A search box requires a call to action so the user can apply the search action. While many users hit the ‘Enter’ key, not all do. It is important to provide an explicit action that triggers the search action.

Include a clickable button with a magnifying glass icon or a ‘Search’ label. Avoid using vague terms like ‘Go’ or ‘Submit’.

YouTube provides a search icon button to initiate the search action.

Make this button obvious and accessible on the UI. Ensure pressing ‘Enter’ also triggers the search action.