Oh, there it is!
I remember the first time I saw an oversized search field. I thought, “Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?” Instead of relying on the standard, system-sized field, some smart designers created oversized, easy-to-find search fields.
However, in some instances the application of design to the search field can actually reduce its visibility to users. For example, the colors, location, typography, and lack of a clear border around the search field on MenuPages all contribute to a less usable search experience. The result is a search field that looks more like a graphic header or banner ad than what it actually is.
I showed this to a few friends, and each of them either missed the search field altogether, or noticed it only after looking around for a bit.
Since search should be the easiest thing to spot on most sites, it’s important to make sure users don’t have to search for it!
Tags: Design, Information Design, Usability, Web Development