Most users feel frustrated after an unsuccessful website search. The search results page determines if your users stay or leave.

Leading brands demonstrate how search results pages impact the overall user experience. Research shows that users who search convert at rates 200% higher than browsers. Your business loses opportunities if visitors struggle to find or use the search bar.

A search interface helps users discover content and keeps them satisfied with the results. Great search experiences go beyond a simple search bar. They provide relevant results, easy-to-use filtering, and designs that enhance your website.

Would you like to turn your search results page into a tool that drives engagement? Here are 12 proven designs your users will love.

Why Search Results Page Design Matters?

Your website’s search experience directly impacts user satisfaction and revenue. Visitors who use search are 4–6x more likely to convert, yet many sites overlook this motivated group that often makes up nearly 30% of traffic.

Users judge websites in seconds. If they can’t find what they need in 2–3 clicks, they leave. Poor search leads to high bounce rates, lower rankings, and lost revenue. In contrast, data shows search users have a 500% higher conversion rate and spend 600% more than non-searchers. Even small improvements, like adding filters, can boost results.

Mobile performance is critical too. Google rewards responsive sites, and pages should load in under 2.5 seconds. Frustrating mobile search with tiny text or misaligned buttons drives users away and hurts rankings.

Great search results pages go beyond function. They deliver personalized results, smart filters, autocomplete, and visual cues that keep users engaged. Tooltips, hints, and clear labels make search feel intuitive.

Best Practices for Search Results Page Design

Search interfaces need specific elements to be effective. Studies of hundreds of designs reveal consistent patterns that improve usability and results.

Search box placement matters—users expect it at the top of the page. A visible input field (not just a link) can increase usage by 91%. The box should be wide enough for typical queries, and original search text should remain visible so users can refine results. Saving recent searches further reduces effort.

Result quality defines success. Users often judge a site by the first page, so top results must be relevant. Include:

1. Result counts to set expectations.

   
   

2. Error handling for typos with suggested fixes.

   
   

3. Visual feedback like loading indicators.

   
   

4. Sorting and filtering to narrow results.

   
   

5. Alternatives when no results are found (instead of empty pages).

   
   

Layout choice also matters. List views suit technical specs, while grids work best for visuals like apparel.

Ultimately, great search pages balance clarity, functionality, and relevance. Even powerful algorithms fail if the design makes results hard to scan or interpret.

12 Search Results Page Design Examples You Should See

Birchbox – Microcopy and Federated Search

Image Source: Algolia

Birchbox, the subscription-based beauty service, blends thoughtful microcopy with federated search to create a smooth and user-friendly search experience.

Instead of overwhelming users with complex options, their design sets clear expectations right from the search bar.

Placeholder text like “Search brands or products” helps guide customers before they type a single word, making the interface approachable and intuitive.

The experience doesn’t stop there—Birchbox integrates predictive text and federated search, combining multiple content types into one streamlined view.

What makes it impressive?

1. Guiding through microcopy: Simple placeholder text provides clarity, reminding users exactly what they can search for. This reduces confusion and gets users to results faster.

   
   

2. Federated search results: A single query surfaces not just products but categories, articles, and tutorials. Users discover content and products in one unified view.

   
   

3. Smart merchandising: Suggestions include highlighted brands, nudging customers toward featured or profitable options without disrupting the experience.

   
   

4. Trust-building through curation: Results feel high-quality and consistent, reinforcing Birchbox’s reputation while shortening search time.

   
   

Key takeaway: Birchbox proves how combining federated search with well-placed microcopy creates a guided, trust-driven experience that boosts conversions and reduces friction.

Cartier – Consistent Search Placement

Image Source: www.cartier.com

Cartier, a global luxury retailer, shows how something as simple as search placement can make a big difference in user experience.

Their website emphasizes subtle elegance and consistency by placing the search bar in the same spot—the top right corner—across every page.

While understated in appearance, this predictable design matches Cartier’s luxury branding and reinforces user trust. The search function never overwhelms the page but remains instantly available for users who need it.

What makes it impressive?

1. Reliability through consistency: Users always know where to find the search bar, removing guesswork and reducing frustration.

   
   

2. Luxury-aligned design: A minimal, low-contrast search box blends into the aesthetic, letting Cartier’s product visuals shine.

   
   

3. User reassurance: The predictable design reflects Cartier’s attention to detail, strengthening perceptions of brand quality.

   
   

4. Search as a growth driver: Cartier ranks for over 650,000 keywords, showing that investment in search has benefits beyond the interface.

   
   

Key takeaway: Cartier demonstrates that consistent, predictable search placement builds user trust and supports brand identity, even in luxury contexts.

ManoMano – Predictive Search Suggestions

Image Source: Algolia

ManoMano, a DIY and home improvement marketplace, caters to beginners who may not know technical product names. Their predictive search system addresses this directly, making product discovery easier and more inclusive.

As users type, the search bar suggests both individual products and categories, with key terms highlighted for quick differentiation.

This bridges the knowledge gap for users unfamiliar with jargon while helping professionals navigate efficiently too.

What makes it impressive?

1. Predictive autocomplete: Suggestions appear instantly, surfacing relevant items and categories so users don’t have to type exact product names.

   
   

2. Accessibility for beginners: Even incorrect or incomplete terms bring up the right products, supporting non-experts.

   
   

3. Proven business impact: After switching to Algolia, ManoMano saw a 20% boost in conversion rates in just two weeks across multiple markets.

   
   

4. Operational efficiency: Search issues that once took days to resolve can now be fixed in under an hour, keeping the system accurate and reliable.

   
   

Key takeaway: ManoMano shows how predictive suggestions reduce barriers for non-experts. By anticipating user intent, they improve accessibility, engagement, and conversions.

JB Hi-Fi – Instant Filtering from Search Bar

Image Source: JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi, one of Australia’s largest electronics retailers, faced the challenge of making vast product catalogs more accessible. Instead of relying on traditional search flows, they built filtering capabilities directly into the search bar.

When a shopper types a broad query like “TVs,” the interface immediately shows filter categories such as screen size, brand, or price.

This lets users refine intent before even hitting the results page, saving time and reducing unnecessary clicks. Results appear in neatly bordered cards, visually separated for easy scanning.

What makes it impressive?

1. Integrated filtering: Anticipates the user’s next step by offering filters directly in the dropdown.

   
   

2. Time-saving interactions: Combines search, filter, and result browsing into one streamlined flow.

   
   

3. Proven impact: Conversion rates rose 17.6% and transaction values by 7.2% after launch.

   
   

4. Aligned with transformation goals: Supports their digital-first retail strategy, especially around mobile checkout improvements.

   
   

Key takeaway: JB Hi-Fi demonstrates how merging filters into search can simplify navigation and directly improve conversions in product-heavy industries.

National Geographic – Faceted Browsing Experience

Image Source: National Geographic

National Geographic takes its mission of exploration seriously—even in search. Instead of presenting just a text box, their interface uses faceted browsing, letting users explore by categories such as Animals, Science, Travel, and Culture.

These facets act as filters, encouraging discovery and reducing the frustration of dead ends. Users can browse by topic, use the search bar, or swipe through card-based stacks, giving them multiple entry points.

What makes it impressive?

1. Faceted navigation: Lets users combine or explore categories for broader discovery.

   
   

2. Preview before commitment: Shows users where a path leads, reducing “no result” frustration.

   
   

3. Supports multiple user types: Works for explorers who browse casually and researchers who search directly.

   
   

4. Research-backed: Studies show faceted browsing increases satisfaction and answer-finding over clustering approaches.

   
   

Key takeaway: National Geographic proves that search design can be a discovery tool. Faceted browsing keeps users engaged while aligning with brand identity.

Under Armor – Smart No Results Page

Image Source: PR Newswire

Under Armour turned a common frustration—empty search results—into a conversion opportunity. Their system tolerates typos, offering relevant results even when a query is misspelled.

More importantly, their “no results” page is far from a dead end. Instead, it suggests alternatives, trending items, and related products.

By analyzing zero-result queries with analytics, Under Armour adapts its system to customer behavior, ensuring users rarely hit a wall.

What makes it impressive?

1. Typo tolerance: Recognizes and corrects user errors instantly.

   
   

2. Smart alternatives: Turns “no results” into a pathway with recommended items.

   
   

3. Analytics-driven: Tracks failed searches to continuously improve relevance.

   
   

4. Performance impact: Improved search conversion rates by 35% above industry standards.

   
   

Key takeaway: Under Armour shows that smartly handling failed searches can recover lost customers. Turning dead ends into opportunities is a game-changer for retention.

AppDynamics Help Center – Autocomplete and Filters

Image Source: Splunk AppDynamics Documentation

AppDynamics makes complex technical documentation accessible with a help center search designed around autocomplete and reliable filtering.

As users type, predictive suggestions surface relevant docs, while a “See All Results” option provides a broader overview.

Once on the results page, filters by content type (guides, FAQs, community posts) help narrow results. Advanced users even get query language search for precision. This layered approach makes the tool effective for both beginners and power users.

What makes it impressive?

1. Autocomplete assistance: Predicts and displays results before the query is finished.

   
   

2. Layered search modes: Basic search for beginners, ADQL for advanced technical queries.

   
   

3. Smart filtering: Content-type filters help refine results quickly.

   
   

4. Extended discovery: Related content suggestions keep users engaged beyond the initial query.

   
   

Key takeaway: AppDynamics demonstrates how layering autocomplete with strong filtering supports diverse user groups, from first-time users to technical experts.

BikeTours.com – Destination-Based Search

Image Source: BikeTours.com

BikeTours.com specializes in helping travelers find the perfect cycling adventure. Their search experience is destination-first, reflecting how most travelers begin planning—by choosing where to go.

The interface allows filtering by country, difficulty, departure month, and trip type.

Instead of standard e-commerce grids, results are grouped into curated categories like family tours, boat-and-bike packages, or adventure cycling, aligning better with customer intent.

What makes it impressive?

1. Destination-first logic: Organizes results around the most important decision factor—location.

   
   

2. Curated categories: Groups tours by experience type, simplifying exploration.

   
   

3. Wide access: Connects users to local operators worldwide through one consistent platform.

   
   

4. Traveler-centric: Aligns search filters with real-world planning behaviors.

   
   

Key takeaway: BikeTours.com shows the value of tailoring search design to context. By aligning with how travelers plan trips, they reduce overwhelm and drive discovery.

Duke University – Centered Search Experience

Image Source: Duke University Libraries Blogs

Duke University’s Fuqua School homepage puts search at the heart of its academic site. Instead of burying it in navigation, a centered search bar invites visitors to start with queries like “what are you looking for?”

Results are displayed in a bento-box layout, dividing them into formats such as books, journals, and media. This design acknowledges the wide variety of resources while keeping navigation manageable.

What makes it impressive?

1. Centered design: Puts search at the core, reflecting user intent.

   
   

2. Bento-box results: Categorizes by format, offering clarity in large libraries.

   
   

3. Smart suggestions: Provides predictive results while typing.

   
   

4. Improved features: Updates added clearer catalog results and related searches.

   
   

Key takeaway: Duke demonstrates how academic institutions can simplify large information ecosystems with bento-style layouts, improving clarity and access for students and faculty.

Swiftype – Full Page Search Focus

Image Source: The Swiftype Blog

Swiftype reimagines search by making it the focal point of the user experience.

Clicking the search icon expands into a full-page search interface, with results updating live as users type.

By dedicating the entire screen to search, distractions are minimized and users focus on discovery. Behind the scenes, Elasticsearch powers relevance, while an intuitive dashboard lets admins adjust weighting and rules.

What makes it impressive?

1. Full-page design: Creates a distraction-free, immersive search experience.

   
   

2. Instant updates: Results appear live, no need to press enter.

   
   

3. Customizable relevance: Field weighting and boost functions ensure high-priority results appear first.

   
   

4. Organized by type: Bento-style grouping sorts results into categories for clarity.

   
   

Key takeaway: Swiftype highlights the impact of prioritizing search. A full-page design transforms search from utility into the centerpiece of exploration.

TechCrunch – Filterable Content Search

Image Source: TechCrunch

TechCrunch’s search system reflects the needs of modern media users by blending traditional results with multimedia.

Their interface includes a prominent bar and filters for Web, Images, Video, News, and Shopping.

A new “Views” filter even pulls discussions from Reddit, YouTube, and TikTok. This allows readers to balance official news with user-generated perspectives.

What makes it impressive?

1. Multiple filters: Offers traditional and multimedia options in one interface.

   
   

2. User-generated content: Integrates social platforms directly into search results.

   
   

3. Dynamic updates: Filters adapt as users refine queries.

   
   

4. Balanced content mix: Serves both professional reporting and personal perspectives.

   
   

Key takeaway: TechCrunch proves that flexible filters can align results with diverse content formats, making search more relevant for today’s media consumers.

PetCareRx – Product-Focused Search with Filters

Image Source: PetCareRx

PetCareRx helps pet owners quickly find medications and supplies with a search bar that expands across the screen for detailed queries.

Search filters like “PetPlus-eligible items” and product features keep results relevant.

Related terms and connected pet profiles add personalization, while results pages display sorting by categories and features, helping users discover alternatives without hassle.

What makes it impressive?

1. Expandable search bar: Provides space for detailed queries.

   
   

2. Smart filters: Focuses results on eligibility, categories, and features.

   
   

3. Connected profiles: Links products to user’s saved pet data for relevance.

   
   

4. Helpful alternatives: Related terms guide discovery beyond initial queries.

   
   

Key takeaway: PetCareRx demonstrates how filters and personalization improve relevance. By tailoring search to pets and owners, they reduce friction and increase loyalty.

Conclusion

Each company we studied approached search differently by understanding their users—Birchbox guided beauty shoppers, JB Hi-Fi simplified filtering, and National Geographic encouraged exploration. Smarter search design drove conversion lifts ranging from 17% to 500%. The takeaway? Effective search isn’t about copying others—it’s about solving real user needs with clear pathways to results.

Want to turn your search into a true conversion engine? Bricx creates search experiences that turn visitors into loyal customers. Book a call with us to start building yours.