At first glance, it seems trivial: a text field and an action button. But in complex products, online stores, or SaaS dashboards, a poorly designed search box can frustrate users and directly impact product performance.
That's why I want to share with you the best practices for designing a search box that's not only functional, but also improves the user experience and boosts conversions.
1. A clear and visible search action
Although many users press the Enter key, not everyone does. Therefore, it's crucial to provide a visible button that activates the search: a magnifying glass icon or a label with the word "Search" works much better than generic terms like "Go" or "Submit."
Platforms like eBay and YouTube understand this well, including clearly identifiable buttons for searching.
Tip: Make sure the button is accessible, visible in country email list all resolutions, and that pressing Enter also activates it.
2. Useful, non-generic placeholder
The text within the search field should provide guidance, not just fill space. A good placeholder guides the user through what they can search for: for example, “Search for products, brands, or categories” is more useful than a simple “Search . ”
But be careful: the placeholder should not replace an external label , as it disappears when you type and is not accessible to screen readers.
3. Adequate size and breathing room
A common mistake is moving the search box to a small corner of the layout. This limits the visibility of the entered text, especially in long searches.
My recommendation is to leave at least 27 characters visible within the field. And design a responsive design that adapts well to mobile devices.
4. Easy to find, always
Placing the search box in an intuitive location is key. Users expect to find it at the top, usually on the right side of the screen on desktop, or in the center on mobile devices.