Getting filters right: UX/UI design patterns and best practices

Editor’s note: This article was updated on 12 November 2024 to incorporate both UX and UI perspectives, expand on core principles and types of filters, include specific guidance for search filters and advanced filtering UI design, and more.

Why filter UX/UI design matters

When designing a user interface for a product with large amounts of content or data, it’s important to create an intuitive filtering UI design that delivers a seamless user experience. Effective search filters are crucial in improving UX, allowing users to quickly narrow down their options and find exactly what they’re looking for without having to scroll through irrelevant results.

Benefits of good filtering UI design include simplifying decision-making, saving precious time, and more:

• Improved user satisfaction — Users can find what they need more easily and quickly
• Increased conversion rates — On average, 30 percent of online shoppers use search filters and are twice more likely to convert than those who do not
• Reduced bounce rates — Users are less likely to leave the site in frustration if they can easily find what they’re looking for
• Enhanced user engagement — Filters encourage users to interact more with the site and explore different options

However, search filters can be implemented incorrectly, hurting the user experience and negatively impacting metrics like the bounce rate. A poorly implemented filtering UI design can have significant drawbacks:

• Increased user frustration — Confusing or ineffective filters can lead to a poor user experience
• Higher bounce rates — A study shows that 12 percent of users will bounce to a competitor’s site after an unsatisfactory search experience
• Decreased conversions — If users can’t find what they’re looking for, they’re less likely to make a purchase or take desired actions

It’s not enough to simply have search filters available. They need to be designed and implemented well to support a better user experience. So what should we avoid when designing the search filtering UI for our products? And what principles can we apply to deliver a better UX?

In this post, we’ll examine various examples of poorly implemented search filters and highlight some tips you can use to produce a satisfying filtering experience. Let’s begin!

Core principles of filter UX/UI

Designing a good filtering UI and UX requires you to carefully consider various usability principles that help any design meet its user’s needs. Let’s look at some core principles that will inform the design of our application filter systems.

Effectiveness

Filters must allow users to find what they are looking for quickly and accurately. To achieve this, the filtering interface should provide clear, context-relevant options that align with the user’s search goals.

For instance, an ecommerce website might allow filtering by price, brand, or product rating, helping users access the items they want without unnecessary effort. This part might seem obvious, but it needs to be done right.

Ask yourself: Does the filter UI allow users to accurately refine their choices and access the desired information?

Efficiency

Efficiency in filter UI/UX revolves around minimizing the number of steps required for users to find what they’re searching for. This could involve implementing features like dynamic filtering, where results update in real-time as filters are selected, or pre-selecting commonly used filters based on user preferences.

A system that supports common user tasks with minimal input enables higher productivity.

Ask yourself: Once users understand the filter system, can they use it to refine their search efficiently with minimal effort?

Safety

A good filter system should prevent users from making unintentional or irreversible actions, such as removing all applied filters accidentally or selecting contradictory criteria. Design safeguards such as confirmation dialogues when clearing filters or visual cues highlighting incompatible filter combinations to help reduce user errors.

Ask yourself: What measures are in place to prevent errors in filter usage, and how easily can users recover if mistakes occur?

Utility

Filters should be tailored to the specific context and provide functionality that supports the user’s goals. For example, a job board should include filters for location, job type, and experience level. Irrelevant or redundant filters can frustrate users and diminish the system’s utility.

Ask yourself: Does the filter offer a comprehensive and appropriate set of options for refining results in meaningful ways?

Shareability

Shareability is a UX feature that can increase user satisfaction, especially in a collaborative context. A filter system should allow users to share their refined results easily while preserving the selected filters. This is especially valuable in collaborative contexts, such as planning trips, reviewing team projects, or recommending products.

Implementing features like export options or sharable URLs that encode the filter parameters ensures that other users can view the same filtered results without needing to reapply the criteria. This not only enhances usability but also fosters a seamless collaborative experience.

Ask yourself: Does the filter system provide a mechanism for users to share their refined results while maintaining the same filters across devices or with other users?

Filter types and when to use them

Different types of filter UI patterns are tailored to various data types and user needs. Let’s go over some common filter design types:

Filter type	Purpose	Example	UI considerations	UX considerations
Sorting filters	Sorting filters allow users to organize the content in a hierarchical order.	An ecommerce app that allows users to sort products by price, rating, or new arrivals.	– Use a collapsible menu – Provide a clear default that aligns with typical user behavior (e.g., Recommended, Relevance) – Prioritize these filters’ visibility as they’re among the first things shoppers search for	– Sorting should be fast and intuitive. – Allow for resetting or removing sorting.
Checkbox filters	Checkbox filters allow users to select multiple options within a category. This method is particularly useful when users want to create a search query composed of multiple products for easy comparison.	A travel booking site where users can filter hotel results by amenities, star rating, or location.	– Use a vertical list for multiple checkboxes. – Display the number of matching items dynamically (e.g., “Pet-friendly (20)”).	– Allow multi-selection – Use progressive disclosure for long lists (e.g., “Show more”).
Range filters	Range filters allow users to narrow down results by specifying a minimum and maximum value for certain criteria, such as price, size, or ratings. This empowers users to quickly find products that fall within their desired range, enhancing the overall shopping experience.	A real estate app that allows users to specify the square footage and price range to curate a list of potential properties from a database.	– Use a slider with dual handles for range selection. – Allow manual input of values for precision.	– Show real-time updates of results as the range parameters change. – Use appropriate scales
Dropdown filters	Dropdown filters offer a list of predefined options for users to choose from, suitable for categories with limited options.	A job board that users can filter by industry, role, employment type, and salary.	– Compact dropdown menus with searchable options. – Group related options logically (e.g., industries by sector).	– Ensure dropdowns are keyboard and screen-reader accessible. – Close the dropdown after selection to reduce clicks.
Toggle filters	Used for binary or on/off selections, toggle filters are ideal for simple, mutually exclusive filtering options.	An online store where you can show or hide out-of-stock items, products with or without a specific feature, or items on clearance.	– Use clear and simple switch controls (e.g., sliders or buttons). – Position toggles at the top or in a highly visible location.	– Reflect changes immediately when toggled (e.g., refresh results dynamically). – Use straightforward labels (e.g., “Available Now” instead of “Toggle Availability”).

One final filter type worth mentioning is tag filters. Similar to dropdown filters, tag filters offer an array of categories (tags) to offer a more precise search result. Spotify uses this on their search page when you search for a song or artist.

You will see these filters in action momentarily. However, the way filters are grouped into categories (e.g., gender, color, product type, availability) is just as important as the mechanism used to filter (e.g., toggles, sliders, dropdowns).

Thoughtful categorization ensures that users can intuitively find what they’re looking for, while a well-designed filter mechanism enhances interaction and satisfaction. You should maintain a balanced approach to both aspects is critical for providing a seamless user experience.

Filter UX vs. filter UI: Key differences and considerations

Delivering the best filtering experience requires balancing both UX and UI considerations. You should know your product well enough to understand when to prioritize one over the other.

Goals of filter UX

The primary focus of filter UX is on usability — ensuring the filtering system meets users’ needs intuitively and efficiently. We already covered some key aspects like:

1. Ease of use — Filters should be simple to understand and use, even for first-time users. Place them in a visible location and use labels to help users quickly grasp their options
2. Logical flow — The organization of filters should align with user expectations and task goals
3. Task efficiency — UX aims to minimize the effort required to achieve results, such as by providing search previews or suggestions based on applied filters
4. Error prevention and recovery — UX emphasizes safeguards like undo options and visual cues to prevent user frustration

You should prioritize UX if your goals are focused on:

• Reducing barriers for users to achieve their goals, such as in high-pressure contexts like emergency services or real-time analytics.
• Designing for diverse user groups with varying technical expertise.
• Enhancing productivity for tasks requiring frequent or complex filtering.

Goals of filter UI

The focus of filter UI is on visual design and interaction elements—ensuring that the filtering system is aesthetically pleasing, consistent, and easy to interact with. Key aspects include:

1. Aesthetics — Filters should visually integrate with the overall design while maintaining clarity. Using whitespace, alignment, and consistent styling ensures an organized appearance. Avoid using unfamiliar patterns or layouts.
2. Interactive elements — UI design determines how users interact with filters—whether through checkboxes, dropdowns, sliders, or other controls. Selecting the right element type enhances usability.
3. Visual hierarchy — The design should guide users to the most important filters first, using font size, color contrast, or placement.

You should prioritize UI if your goals are focused on:

• Designing for environments where brand identity and aesthetics influence user perception, such as luxury ecommerce or creative portfolios.
• Ensuring consistency in style across a platform to create a seamless visual experience.
• Optimizing filter usability for mobile devices, where space constraints demand careful layout planning.

Balancing UX and UI in filter design

While UX ensures the filtering process is logical and goal-oriented, UI transforms that functionality into a visually engaging and intuitive experience. For example:

• A UX-driven solution might involve grouping filters by category based on user research, ensuring logical progression
• A UI-driven enhancement might involve designing collapsible filter sections to save space and improve aesthetics

Striking the right balance is essential. In my view, the UX of a filter system matters more because it is naturally more complex to design an intuitive and effective filtering experience than to create the best filter interface out there. The most effective designs prioritize usability without compromising visual appeal, ensuring both functional and delightful interactions.

Real-world examples of filtering UI design

Implementing effective filters requires careful consideration of user needs and the nature of your content. Here are some key principles to follow:

Position the filter component strategically

As mentioned earlier, a search filter is one of the first components a user looks for when they land on your ecommerce product. It is, therefore, necessary to position this element strategically, ensuring your user has no friction trying to reach it.

Here’s a comparison of a few common filter component placements:

Location	Pros	Cons
Sidebar	Allows for vertical scrolling; good for many filter options	Can take up valuable screen real estate on mobile devices
Inline	Integrates seamlessly with content; good for minimal filter options	Can be overlooked if not designed in such a way that captures attention without distracting users from their task
Filter bar	Highly visible; works well for both desktop and mobile	Limited space for complex filter options

You will find various positioning methods across the web, so ensure you choose the placement that best suits your content and user needs. Let’s take the fashion store below for example:

The clothing company in the image makes a mistake by concealing the filter panel behind a fairly unnoticeable “Filters” button. Forcing the user to make an extra click to view the panel is unnecessary — especially when there is enough real estate to display it in desktop view. The panel also visually cuts off some results when expanded.

A better approach to this would be to keep the panel visible at all times, and reserve the button for a mobile view:

Another example of a satisfactory filter layout is this sticky, horizontal filter panel that stays in view as a user navigates the product listing:

In general, the position of a filter system helps the user complete their tasks faster.

Ensure applied filters are visible and easy to toggle

Making all applied filters visible to the user will help them better understand how these filters affect their search results. This feedback mechanism will go a long way in ensuring your users aren’t frustrated when they don’t find what they want since they can easily tweak the filter parameters.

It is also necessary to make it easy for the user to remove the applied filters. This allows them to easily modify their search experience when they are not getting the results they want, or if they want to see more (or fewer) results.

Here’s an example of this in action:

Overall, the goal of making applied filters visible and easy to remove is to give the user more control and flexibility in their search or browsing experience and to make it easier for them to find what they are looking for.

Provide clear and descriptive labels for search filters

Providing clear and descriptive labels for your product’s filtering system can help users find what they are looking for more easily. When labels are not clear or descriptive enough, users may have difficulty understanding what the filter does or what content will be included when they apply it.

Avoid using vague labels like “Other” or abbreviations, as they can confuse users about what results they’ll get. Instead, use clear and descriptive labels to enhance the user experience and encourage effective use of the filtering system.

Allow users to save and reuse filter configurations

Storing a user’s filter configurations for future reuse is a huge bonus for any product’s user experience. In doing so, the user can easily pick up where they left off or build on top of previous filter parameters to create a new query. This can lead to better user satisfaction and increased usage of your filter system:

This technique can be beneficial if the filters are complex or if the users want to apply the same filters to multiple sets of data.

Provide adequate feedback

Feedback is a vital component of any successful design used to engage, explain, and improve user satisfaction. There are a few ways that filtering systems can provide good feedback to end users:

• Number of results — For every new filter applied, a product’s UI should display the number of results/items/products now available due to the filter
• Blurring unavailable filter options — Quite frequently, a combination of certain filters will make other filter options unavailable — for instance, on a sneaker site, filtering for a certain shoe size might exclude some brand options which don’t have that size in stock. It’s therefore important to reflect this in the UI and progressively blur unavailable filter options out rather than let the user apply them and end up with no results
• Interactive filtering over batch filtering — Interactive filtering is a more responsive approach where search results are instantly updated as new filters are applied. In this way, a user can immediately see the effects of their applied filters as opposed to batch filtering where the results are updated only after the user’s filter selections have been made
• Relevant results — The filtering system should return relevant results based on the applied filters. If the results are not relevant, the user may become frustrated and lose confidence in the system

Overall, good feedback from a filtering system should help the user understand how the filters affect their results and give them the tools they need to find what they are looking for.

Create an organized tagging system for your product’s catalog

An organized catalog with each item tagged correctly in a tagging system will provide a pleasant filtering experience to end users. If an item is appropriately tagged to its correct category, a filter can easily make its computations based on these tags and return relevant results to the user.

Ecommerce and media giants that keep their catalogs organized are already benefiting from this practice, allowing them to retain their user’s attention:

Take Netflix, for example. It’s a common joke that users often spend more time scrolling through Netflix’s vast library than actually watching something, ending up with cold food and no show selected. As a solution, Netflix provides a collection of unique codes that a viewer can use to filter programs by categories like Sci-Fi, Anime, Classics, Horror, etc.:

Searching Netflix using one of these codes will bring up collections of media that fall under that category:

This significantly cuts the searching time if the viewer has an idea of what genre they’re looking for. In general, having organized tags will be helpful for both your admin system and users.

Use sorting to enhance the search experience

While filters give a user significant control over the organization of their search results, adding a sorting tool in the mix will greatly enhance the search experience. Sorting helps arrange data into meaningful order so that your users can analyze it more effectively.

Sorting can make it easier for a user to find the information they are looking for by organizing the data in a way that resonates with them.

For example, suppose a user is on a budget and is searching for an affordable item on a website. In that case, they may be able to find it more quickly if they have the option to sort the search results by price rather than the items being presented in random order:

Sorting vs. filtering in UX design

In UX design, sorting and filtering are complementary tools that enhance the user experience by helping users manage large sets of data, but they serve distinct purposes:

• Filtering — Allows users to narrow down a list of items by applying specific criteria, such as category, price range, or size. Filtering reduces the number of displayed items to only those that meet the selected parameters, enabling users to focus on relevant options and streamline their decision-making process
• Sorting — Unlike filtering, sorting does not reduce the number of items displayed, but instead organizes them in a particular order, such as alphabetically, by price (low to high), or by date (newest first). Sorting helps users view the data in a way that aligns with their preferences or priorities, making it easier to analyze and compare options

While sorting and filtering are crucial for a positive user experience, they address different needs. Filtering helps users refine their search results while sorting enhances the structure and presentation of those results.

Optimizing filtering UI for search

When filters are optimized for search, users can quickly narrow down results, ensuring a smoother and more productive experience. Below are strategies and specific practices to improve filtering UI for search-oriented tasks:

1. Progressive disclosure
Progressive disclosure helps manage complexity by revealing filters gradually based on user needs or context. Instead of overwhelming users with an extensive list of options upfront, filters can be categorized and collapsed, allowing users to expand only what they need. For instance:

• Primary filters first: Display the most commonly used filters, such as category or price, prominently, while nesting advanced options under an “Advanced Filters” section.
• Context-aware filters: Dynamically present filters that are relevant to the current search context. For example, showing size filters only when searching for clothing.

2. Dynamic updates
Filters that update search results in real-time as users make selections create a more interactive and responsive experience. This eliminates the need for users to repeatedly apply and check filters, streamlining the search process. Key considerations include:

• Instant feedback: Display results dynamically as users select filter options, giving immediate visual confirmation of their choices.
• Loading indicators: Use subtle animations or spinners during updates to reassure users that the system is processing their input.
• Clear undo options: Include reset buttons or options to remove individual filters to help users easily refine their search without starting over.

3. User-friendly layouts
An effective layout ensures filters are easy to find, understand, and use. Key aspects include:

• Consistent placement — Place filters in predictable locations, such as a left-hand sidebar on desktops or a collapsible top panel on mobile devices.
• Group similar filters — Organize filters into logical categories (e.g. gender, color).
• Accessible controls — Use familiar and accessible elements like checkboxes, sliders, and dropdowns, ensuring they are optimized for both touch and click interactions.

Advanced filtering needs for complex applications

In data-heavy enterprise applications, filtering UI design becomes critical for managing and presenting vast amounts of information in a user-friendly way. An advanced filtering system must cater to users who require precision and efficiency in their workflows, as well as consider things like:

• Feedback and clarity — Provide real-time feedback, such as the number of matching results, to confirm that filters are applied as intended
• Scalability — Ensure the filtering system can handle increasingly complex datasets without degrading performance
• Mobile optimization — Design adaptable filtering interfaces for smaller screens, employing techniques like collapsible panels and swipe gestures

We’ll use LinkedIn as a case study to explain how we can approach designing effective filtering experiences for users, exploring key considerations for designing multi-layered, nested, and configurable filter systems for complex applications.

Multi-layered filters: Scaling with complexity

Multi-layered filters allow users to refine results progressively without feeling overwhelmed:

• Hierarchical organization — Structure filters in tiers, starting with broad categories (e.g., industry, job title) and enabling users to drill down into more granular subcategories (e.g., specific roles or skills)
• Clear navigation — Use breadcrumbs or collapsible panels to guide users through filter layers, ensuring they understand where they are in the hierarchy
• Performance considerations — Optimize real-time filtering to handle large datasets efficiently, maintaining responsiveness as users adjust criteria

For instance, on LinkedIn, recruiters can filter candidates by location, industry, and skills, refining each layer to match suitable profiles.

Nested filters: Handling relationships between criteria

Nested filters address use cases where filter options depend on previous selections. They are essential for maintaining context and ensuring accurate results in complex queries:

• Dynamic dependency — Design filters to update dynamically based on prior selections. For example, selecting “IT” as an industry could reveal nested options like “Software Development,” “Data Science,” or “Cybersecurity”
• Minimizing cognitive load — Indicate relationships between parent and child filters using visual cues, such as indentation, color coding, or arrows
• Avoiding overlaps — Prevent redundant or conflicting filter options by disabling irrelevant choices as users make selections

Configurable filters: Adapting to diverse needs

Enterprise applications serve a wide range of users with different objectives. Configurable filters allow users to customize the filtering interface to suit their specific workflows.

• Custom filter creation — Enable users to define their own filtering parameters. For example, LinkedIn’s Boolean search allows recruiters to create tailored queries using “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” operators to combine or exclude criteria
• Saved filters — Provide options for saving and reusing custom filters for recurring tasks, saving time and effort

Challenges and pitfalls of designing filters

While filters can significantly enhance user experience, designing an effective filter system comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some key gotchas to be aware of:

• Overwhelming users with too many options — One of the most common mistakes in filter design is providing too many filter options. While it may seem helpful to offer a wide range of choices, this can lead to analysis paralysis. Prioritize the most important and frequently used filters and keep the options succinct — don’t pad them. However, if your situation requires revealing a large array of filters, progressively reveal them only when needed
• Poor mobile optimization — Many filter designs, especially the flamboyant ones, lack good mobile optimization. More often than not, users will visit your website on a mobile device. Designing filters that work well on smaller screens should therefore be prioritized. Consider using expandable/collapsible filter sections, full-screen filter overlays, or horizontal scrolling filter bars for mobile interfaces
• Performance issues with large datasets — For websites or applications with large catalogs, complex filter systems can lead to slow load times, particularly if filtering is done on the client side or if the backend infrastructure isn’t optimized. Slow response times can frustrate users, causing them to abandon their search or leave the site. To maintain a positive user experience, it’s essential to implement server-side filtering for large datasets and use techniques like lazy loading to manage results efficiently.
• Lack of clear feedback — Mobile apps in our world have gotten increasingly interactive, making users demand clear feedback. When users apply or remove filters, they should immediately understand how their actions have affected the results. This can be achieved through visual cues, such as highlighting selected filters or displaying the number of results that match the current criteria
• Ineffective filter combinations — Ineffective filter combinations that result in empty or very limited results can frustrate users and harm their experience. This often happens when users apply multiple filters that don’t yield any matches when combined. To prevent this, it’s important to analyze and test filter combinations thoroughly before implementation and to use dynamic filter updates that adjust available options in real-time based on user selections. For instance, an ecommerce site might disable unavailable options as users apply filters. Additionally, providing clear feedback and helpful suggestions when no results are found can guide users toward successful searches

Conclusion

Designing an effective filter system is more than just adding a few dropdown menus or checkboxes. It’s about creating an intuitive, user-centric experience that helps people find exactly what they need with minimal friction.

Carefully considering principles like effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and utility can help you transform a potentially overwhelming search process into a smooth, almost effortless journey. The key is to balance complex functionality with visual simplicity, ensuring that users feel empowered rather than overwhelmed by the filtering options.

Ultimately, a well-designed filter system is a critical component of user experience that can significantly impact conversion rates, user satisfaction, and overall product success. Whether you’re building an ecommerce platform, a job board, or a media streaming service, investing time in thoughtful filter design pays dividends.

Make sure you prioritize user needs, provide clear feedback, and continuously iterate based on user behavior to create a filtering interface that not only meets user expectations but speeds up your business’ conversion process. Remember, the most effective filters are those that feel so natural and intuitive that users hardly notice they’re using them — they simply find what they want, when they want it.

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