Avoid hiding the search bar on desktop
When designing for desktop, keep the search bar visible and easily accessible, rather than hidden behind an icon. While hiding the search bar can save space and is often a practical approach for mobile interfaces with limited screen real estate, it's generally unnecessary on desktop. More importantly, hiding it can impact accessibility and increase the effort required for users to find it.
For websites where search is a primary function, the search bar should be prominently displayed. Users typically expect to find it in the top right corner of the screen, making this a natural placement that aligns with user habits. However, placing it in the header is also a viable option. The key is to ensure that the search bar is immediately noticeable and recognizable, minimizing the effort users need to locate it.