Better Search Bars: A UX/UI Design Guide
Sep 22, 2026
·
2 min read
The search bar is often overlooked when designing a website – it's just two simple parts. But the truth is it's one of the most used parts of a website, which also means it plays a big role in shaping the user experience.
Search bars allow users to enter search queries or keywords to find specific information or items within an application or website. Designing the experience involves more than the search field itself. Placement, visual style, autocomplete, filters, and the way results are presented all affect how users interact with search.
Search bar anatomy and visual states
A search input needs enough space for its content, with considered left and right padding, text line-height, input height, icon width, and flexible text width. If results appear in a combo box, its item height and padding also need to be accounted for.
Search bars can use different visual treatments, including sharp, slightly rounded, and fully rounded shapes. They also need to work across states such as placeholder, focused placeholder, filled, typing, and disabled.
Search bar placement and types
On the web, search is usually placed at the top center or top right, while on mobile it is usually positioned at the top.
Search can be persistent, expandable, or hidden. A persistent search works when search is one of the main focuses of the screen. An expandable version can be used when search is not the primary focus. Hidden search is familiar to iOS users, but using the same approach on other platforms may not be suitable.
Make search easy to initiate
Users expect a simple search icon, so overly styled icons may be missed when people scan the interface. The prominence of search should also reflect how often it is used.
The search field should make it clear what users can search for, and a search button should be provided. Avoid making the search box unnecessarily short: a limited number of visible characters can make users believe they need to enter shorter queries.
Improve search queries with autocomplete
Autocomplete can improve the search experience by suggesting options as the user types.
Suggestions can include:
Common keywords
Keywords from search history
Scoped searches
Where possible, visual cues can help distinguish different types of suggestions.
Help users control search results
When users view results, filters give them more control over what they find. The filter icon should be displayed prominently, relevant filters should be available, and selected filters should remain visible and easy to change.
Design results for comparison and evaluation
At the results stage, the user’s primary goal is to compare and evaluate. Information should therefore be presented consistently, while cards or items should emphasize relevant information.
For searches where comparison is part of the experience, advanced comparison tools can also be considered.
Search bar anatomy and visual states
A search input needs enough space for its content, with considered left and right padding, text line-height, input height, icon width, and flexible text width. If results appear in a combo box, its item height and padding also need to be accounted for.
Search bars can use different visual treatments, including sharp, slightly rounded, and fully rounded shapes. They also need to work across states such as placeholder, focused placeholder, filled, typing, and disabled.
Search bar placement and types
On the web, search is usually placed at the top center or top right, while on mobile it is usually positioned at the top.
Search can be persistent, expandable, or hidden. A persistent search works when search is one of the main focuses of the screen. An expandable version can be used when search is not the primary focus. Hidden search is familiar to iOS users, but using the same approach on other platforms may not be suitable.
Make search easy to initiate
Users expect a simple search icon, so overly styled icons may be missed when people scan the interface. The prominence of search should also reflect how often it is used.
The search field should make it clear what users can search for, and a search button should be provided. Avoid making the search box unnecessarily short: a limited number of visible characters can make users believe they need to enter shorter queries.
Improve search queries with autocomplete
Autocomplete can improve the search experience by suggesting options as the user types.
Suggestions can include:
Common keywords
Keywords from search history
Scoped searches
Where possible, visual cues can help distinguish different types of suggestions.
Help users control search results
When users view results, filters give them more control over what they find. The filter icon should be displayed prominently, relevant filters should be available, and selected filters should remain visible and easy to change.
Design results for comparison and evaluation
At the results stage, the user’s primary goal is to compare and evaluate. Information should therefore be presented consistently, while cards or items should emphasize relevant information.
For searches where comparison is part of the experience, advanced comparison tools can also be considered.
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Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
If you aren't following us on Instagram already, you're seriously missing out! Become a part of our ever-growing community and learn something new from the field of product design every. single. day.
Happy designing! 🥳
andrija & supercharge design team
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