Best UX practises for Search based websites and app development

It can be easily overwhelming to navigate through a website or an app containing a heavy load of information. The common problem is often related to chaos and confusion on where to find the right information to fit the needs of each individual user. This article will shine a light on the best ways to guide a user through a search based website or app minus the frustration.

When it comes to website design and app development with searching functions, there are 5 key elements that will allow people to obtain the information they need in a much faster and easier way.

1. Don’t make them look for the search box, make it obvious.

Location and straightforwardness is probably the most important “search box” features for website design and app development. It needs to be right in front of the user, perhaps even on the hero section of the homepage allowing users immediate access to it, which is essentially the foundation of efficient UX design. Straightforwardness will come with a search icon and a spacious box with a suggestive text, in order to communicate clearly the exact function of that section.

2. Suggestive keywords and placeholder text

The search box should be designed to suggest text as to what can be searched. It should also suggest keywords to the user as he/she is typing in order to guide them through the different filter options. This is absolutely crucial to as it achieves painless efficiency and will allow users to “arrive” quicker to their destination.

3. Use a magnifying glass icon

Nothing is more obvious than being bluntly obvious. In both app and web design, the visual language for searching is a magnifying glass icon which gives users that immediate association with a search function. This is quite powerful as it automatically leads users to that function without any suggestive text or other use of images.

4. Provide a “submit” button

It may seem obvious but it’s, nonetheless, worth mentioning. It’s imperative to be extremely suggestive and obvious when it comes to search engines, therefore there should always be a “submit” or “search” button associated with the search box so the user can submit there enquiry. This must be very visually striking, often using a one colored button.

5. Offer an “advanced search” section with filters

When it comes to app development and website design, is important to give as much sensible functionalities as possible without confusing the user. If the basic search section of a website or app shows more than 50 results, you should consider including an advanced search option right under the “submit button” in order to be easily seen by users. This will allow users to filter information possibly by date or topic in order to get more accurate and fast results.

In website design and app development is imperative to be completely “transparent” in the way things are organised, there should be a balance between visual and function as the mechanics should always be fairly easy and quick to navigate through.
If you would be interested in website design and development do not hesitate to contact Swiss Tomato or check our page:

https://swisstomato.ch/en/website-development-geneva-switzerland/