Design Empty Search and Zero Results Recovery
Search & Discovery · search, undo
Updated 2026-07-28
- A failed search should never be the end of the journey.
- Explain:
- What was searched.
- Why nothing appeared.
- Offer recovery:
- Correct spelling.
- Remove filters.
- Show popular options.
- Suggest related content.
- Keep user effort:
- Preserve their search.
- Let them adjust instead of restarting.
- Zero results are not failures. They are opportunities to guide users.
Related guides
UX Handbook