DEV Community

Discussion on: Dude, Where's My Search Box?

Collapse
 
subbramanil profile image
Subbu Lakshmanan • Edited

In the book, 'Don't Make Me Think', Steve Grugg talks about two type of users of web.

  1. Search dominant users --> Always look for search box as soon as they enter a site
  2. Link dominant users --> Always browse first, search only when they have run out of links to click/frustrated

I don't remember if Steve Grugg mention about the position of the search box, but he does mention about providing a way to search and some recommendations of designing one.

In Steve Grugg's own words.

It's a simple formula: a box, a button, and either the keyword, "Search" or the universally recognized magnifying glass icon. Don't make it harder for them-stick to the formula. In particular avoid,

Fancy Wording: They will be looking for the word 'Search'. So use the word, ...

Instructions: If you stick with the formula, anyone who has used the web for more than a few days will know what to do. Adding "Type a keyword" is like saying, "Leave a message at the beep" on your voicemail message: There was a time when it was necessary, but now it just makes you sound clueless.

Options: ....