Search

Search allows users to specify a word or a phrase and find relevant pieces of content.

Search lets users explore a website or app using keywords. Search can be used as a means of discovering content, or as a filter to help the user in finding content.

When using search:

  • Combine search with autocomplete wherever possible
  • Keep the original search query on the page so the user can easily edit it if they can’t find what they’re looking for
  • Always provide a programmatically connected label even if it isn’t visible to sighted users

If the list of possible options is small, consider using select instead.


Search button

An in-field icon or a separate filled button can be used to trigger the search action.

  • Interactive demo - Sainsbury's
  • Interactive demo - Sainsbury's

Search icon

A search icon can be used to represent a dynamic search, so the user doesn’t need to click the search button for the search to be triggered.

  • Interactive demo - Sainsbury's

Copy guidelines

Always start your label with the word ‘search’.

Do
Don't

Was this page helpful?


Get in touch

Our team can answer any questions about using search or give you a helping hand with your next project.
Select a theme to demo: