Search field

Search design is challenging, especially on mobile. Since many apps are search-centric, designers must optimize the mobile search experience.

Key design principles for effective mobile search:

Make the search bar discoverable: Place it prominently, typically at the screen top or in the bottom navigation bar (though bottom placement reduces findability)
Include magnifying glass icon: Use this universal symbol to help users quickly identify the search function
Display recent searches: Show users' previous queries before they start typing for quick access
Offer alternatives: Instead of empty "No results" pages, show trending searches or relevant categories based on user history
Implement auto-suggest: Provide real-time suggestions to help users form better queries, prevent errors, and find results faster
Show search progress: When results take time to load, use animations to reduce confusion and maintain user engagement