Key Features of Global Search
Search Functionality
Enables users to search for any feature, page, or tool within the platform from
any screen.
Provides suggestions and results dynamically as the user types to reduce search
time.
Bookmark Feature
Allows users to mark specific pages or features as favorites, so they appear
consistently at the top of the search dropdown.
The bookmark list can be customized to add or remove items, giving users control over
their frequently accessed pages.
Recently Searched Feature
Displays the user’s recent search history, allowing easy access to commonly performed
tasks.
Helps users quickly navigate to tasks or actions they use frequently, improving
efficiency.
Quick Access Section
A set of one-click shortcuts for frequently performed actions, such as "Add Group," "Add
AP (Access Point)," "Add Switch," etc.
Positioned at the bottom for easy discoverability and quick action initiation.
Design Process
User Research & Personas
Conducted interviews and observations to understand user frustrations with current
navigation.
Created personas for typical users, such as "Admin" (who frequently adds devices)
and "Technician" (who needs quick access to network tools).
Wireframes & Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Developed initial wireframes for Global Search, focusing on the layout and placement
of key elements like bookmarks, recent searches, and quick actions.
User-tested the prototypes to gather feedback on usability and overall
intuitiveness.
High-Fidelity Prototypes
Refined the wireframes into high-fidelity mockups, incorporating branding elements
and ensuring a clean, minimalistic aesthetic.
Ensured color contrast, typography, and iconography met accessibility standards for
a seamless user experience.
Design Decisions
Positioning Placed the Global Search bar prominently at the top of
the interface for quick accessibility.
Iconography & Labels Used recognizable icons (e.g., search, add,
bookmark) with clear labels to enhance comprehension.
Color Coding Applied color to differentiate sections such as
Bookmarks, Recent Searches, and Quick Access for better visual hierarchy.
Usability & Accessibility Considerations
Dynamic Search Suggestions Designed to reduce the time users spend typing by offering predictive suggestions
as they enter a search term
Keyboard Accessibility Implemented keyboard navigation support for users to select search results, bookmark
items, or quick actions without needing a mouse.
Visual Cues for Active Elements Added subtle hover effects and active state indicators for bookmarks and search
results to improve interaction feedback.
Mobile Responsiveness Ensured the search bar and quick access options are functional on mobile devices,
enabling seamless navigation across different screen sizes.
Error Prevention Provided feedback messages when no results match the search term, guiding users
back to recently searched items or popular actions.
User Testing & Feedback
Testing Methodology
Conducted usability testing with a mix of new and returning users to evaluate ease
of use and feature discoverability.
Feedback Summary
Users appreciated the Bookmark feature for saving frequently used pages.
The Recently Searched section proved useful for repetitive tasks, especially for
users who navigate through different parts of the platform.
Some users requested more customization options for the Quick Access section to
tailor it to their specific needs.
Iterations Based on Feedback
Enhanced the "Clear All" function in Recently Searched to allow batch deletion.
Added an Edit Mode in Bookmarks, allowing users to rearrange or delete items
directly.
Visual Design Highlights
Clean and Minimalistic
Designed the Global Search dropdown with a simple, uncluttered layout, using
whitespace effectively to separate different sections.
Consistent Branding
Maintained consistent brand colors and typography, ensuring that the Global Search
tool feels integrated with the rest of the Canvas platform.
Clear Iconography
Used intuitive icons for each quick action, enhancing recognizability and making it
easy for users to identify their desired actions.
Results & Impact
Increased User Efficiency : Reduced the average time taken by users to access frequently used pages by over 40%.
Higher User Satisfaction Post-implementation surveys showed a significant increase in user satisfaction, particularly among users who frequently navigate between different tools.
Improved Engagement with Bookmarked and Recent Items Usage data indicated that users frequently interact with bookmarked items and recent searches, indicating effective adoption of these features.
Lessons Learned
Balancing Flexibility with Simplicity Users appreciate customization but may feel overwhelmed by too many options. Iterative testing helped strike a balance, offering essential customization without complicating the UI.
Importance of Visual Hierarchy Separating sections visually and logically (e.g., bookmarks, recent searches, quick access) helped users locate elements faster.
Continued Iteration Feedback highlighted areas for improvement, such as adding more quick access customization, indicating the importance of ongoing iteration for optimal usability.
Future Enhancements
Personalized Recommendations Consider implementing AI-based suggestions within the Global Search feature to recommend actions or pages based on user behavior.
Analytics Integration S Track how users interact with Global Search to identify popular features, which can inform future design improvements and feature prioritization.
Advanced Filtering Options Allow users to filter search results by categories, such as "Recently Used," "Most Visited," or "User Role," to enhance navigation further.
