The search bar has become an integral part of our lives. With a few clicks, people are able to look up on something they want to know. The advent of smartphones has transformed the search process even more. Most mobile applications too have Search integrated into it. As the scope for mobile-online business models widens, web developers will have to look for ways to design the Search functionality innovatively. Doing so will directly and indirectly result in more end sales. After all, when it comes to mobile applications, it is all about convenience. Hiring dedicated android developers or iOS developers will enable clients to develop rich applications aimed at bringing positive in-app experiences.
Our developer team, providing a variety of mobile app development services, delve into the process of designing Search. It is influenced by factors such as context, app functionality and depth of information.
The first thing that mobile app developers must know before attempting to designing Search is the difference between desktop visitors and mobile app visitors. The latter category of people wants a faster and convenient experience. But owing to the limited real estate in the case of mobiles, the significance of the Search bar becomes more realised.
We will look at two aspects in designing Search – the layout and physical design of the Search bar itself and the displaying of results as per the app.
With regard to physical designs and layouts, there are many kinds such as a top/ bottom layout, bar/ tab/ magnifying glass designs etc; Clients who want to hire mobile app developers would do well to provide information of their business and what they want to achieve with their mobile app. This information will be useful in formulating the design elements and layout of the Search.
A top layout is relevant for mobile apps driven by search, or in other words, visitors open your app primarily to search for information on products – eg: cab aggregator apps focussed on pickup and drop destinations. On the other hand, a bottom layout Search enhances the primary purpose of the app.
Depending on the screen space for your mobile app, you can appropriately design the Search – be it bar/ tab/ magnifying glass. For instance, if you have used the YouTube app, you might have noticed the magnifying glass for a Search. This is due to lack of space in the top navigation bar that is occupied by the logo and the upload video functionality. Therefore, adhere to intended purpose of app and implement it effectively.
The second aspect – presenting the results – is more related to the target segment of your business. There are different kinds of searches namely simple, filtered and predictive search. In Simple search, it is left to the visitor to type the relevant query. Mobile developers can display results according to the search keyword.
Filtered searches are appropriate for online businesses selling products, especially those that sell a vast inventory of products. Visitors will be able to customise and narrow their searches.Clients can communicate to their hired mobile app developers on how they want to display their results (products) in an appealing manner. Predictive search is useful for apps containing large amounts of content. It helps the visitors to come to know related search queries as they type. This search also greatly aids in smooth repeat purchases – case in point – cab aggregator apps that display recent ride destinations even before they type.
The team at HireIndianProgrammers has a mix of both android and iOSdevelopers. We have developed several mobile app development projects for our clients, both android and iOS. Our mobile app development services also cover support and maintenance with no messy contracts. If you are in the stage of developing an online business venture or expansion of the same or improve upon your mobile app, you can hire an iOS developer or an android developer, depending on your needs.
