Using a search field has become one of the familiar tasks to Internet users. Fortunately, this means that most users have an understanding of the process and will search using good keywords. Unfortunately, search results pages can vary wildly from site to site, and the way information is displayed does not always support the user's goals. Keep the following concepts in mind when designing a results page and you will be more likely to help users remain on your site and get to the content they are looking for.
Remind users what they searched for
Usability tests show that users often perform other tasks or switch windows while a search is in progress. Displaying the terms that were searched for indicates search completion and helps the user remain on track with their original goal. If you are able to have the keywords persist in the search box, it is an additional reminder of the search and allows the user to easily modify their search terms for a new search. If you do this, make sure you clear the search field as soon as the user follows a link away from the search results page, to indicate that they are no longer in "search mode."
Put results in context
Simply providing relevant results is not enough. The following are elements that good search results pages should display in a clear fashion:
- Total number of results found
- Number of results pages and number of results shown per page
- Appropriate pagination buttons with useful placement
Belong to the site
Use the same visual design and navigation elements as the rest of the site to provide consistency. Some websites return surprisingly different pages when using a search than when using other methods of getting to an item, which can confuse users. In the given example (please see image), the search results page (on the left) even provides different filtering and sorting tools than those normally on the site (on the right), though the products listed are the same.
Provide further search tools
Search expectations vary by person, so it is vital to provide ancillary search tools in case users do not find what they want right away. Most important is to help users filter, sort, and display search results in meaningful ways, which will vary depending on type and content of the site. It is also necessary to provide the opportunity to search again. This is easiest with a persistent search field, otherwise, make sure that the link back to the search page is easily accessible.