Recipe: In-app search UI design
Build a fast, keyboard-driven search experience that feels native to your application.
Overview
In-app search is the most-used navigation primitive in any data-heavy product. This recipe covers command-palette patterns, instant-filter layouts, and the UX details that separate a sluggish search box from one that feels telepathic.
Patterns
Command palette
Modal overlay triggered by ⌘K. Full-text fuzzy search across all entities. Results grouped by type with keyboard navigation.
Instant filter
Inline search bar above a list. Results update on every keystroke. Highlight matching substrings in the rendered items.
Faceted search
Combine free-text input with filter chips. Each chip narrows the result set. Chips are removable and stack horizontally.
Recent + suggestions
Empty state shows recent searches and trending queries. Click-to-fill reduces typing friction for repeat workflows.
UX checklist
- ▸Debounce input at 150ms for server queries; render client-side filters instantly.
- ▸Arrow keys move focus; Enter selects; Escape dismisses. Always.
- ▸Show a loading skeleton only after 300ms to avoid flicker on fast networks.
- ▸Highlight matched characters in results with a distinct color.
- ▸Preserve search query in the URL so deep-linked searches survive refresh.