Handle blank and space-only searches deliberately

What to change

Ask the supplier to choose a helpful, consistent empty-query behaviour and explain what the visitor can do next.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An empty query leaves the search ready for entry with a short instruction, while a space-only query follows the same route rather than producing confusing results.

How to check the result

Accept when blank input has a deliberate outcome, remains easy to correct and behaves consistently across the site's search interfaces.

A mistake to avoid

Silently trimming spaces is useful only if the resulting empty query is itself handled in an understandable way.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordSubmit the search with no text, then with only spaces. Compare the visible feedback, focus position and resulting address or page state.Try the same action from the keyboard, header search and full search page. Ask the supplier to make equivalent entry points follow the agreed behaviour.After the empty attempt, enter a valid query. Check no stale error, disabled button or leftover loading state prevents normal use.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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