hig-components-search

Apple HIG: Navigation Components

Check for .claude/apple-design-context.md before asking questions. Use existing context and only ask for information not already covered.

Key Principles

1. Search: discoverable with instant feedback. Choose placement per platform and context, including bottom search/tab affordances on iOS. Show results as the user types when feasible, with debounce/cancellation for remote searches.

2. Page controls: position in a flat page sequence. For discrete, equally weighted pages (onboarding, photo gallery). Show current page and total count.

3. Path controls: file hierarchy navigation. macOS path controls display location within a directory structure and allow jumping to any ancestor.

4. Search scopes narrow large result sets. Consider scope controls when categories are clear; default to a broad scope and avoid unnecessary controls.

5. Clear empty states for search. Helpful message suggesting corrections or alternatives, not a blank screen.

6. Page controls are not for hierarchical navigation. Flat, linear sequences only. Use a navigation stack, sidebar or split view for hierarchy; tab bars also represent peer destinations.

7. Keep path controls concise. Show meaningful segments only. Users can click any segment to navigate directly.

8. Support keyboard for search. Command-F and system search shortcuts should activate search.

Reference Index

Reference	Topic	Key content
search-fields.md	Search fields	Scopes, tokens, instant results, placement
page-controls.md	Page controls	Dot indicators, flat page sequences
path-controls.md	Path controls	Breadcrumbs, ancestor navigation

Output Format

1. Component recommendation -- search field, page control, or path control, and why.
2. Behavior specification -- interaction model (search-as-you-type, swipe for pages, click-to-navigate for paths).
3. Platform differences across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS.

Questions to Ask

1. What type of content is being searched or navigated?
2. Which platforms?
3. How large is the dataset?
4. Is search the primary interaction?

Related Skills

• hig-components-menus -- Toolbars and menu bars hosting search and navigation controls
• hig-components-controls -- Text fields, pickers, segmented controls in search interfaces
• hig-components-dialogs -- Popovers and sheets for expanded search or filtering
• hig-patterns -- Navigation patterns and information architecture
• hig-foundations -- Typography and layout for navigation components

---

Built by Raintree Technology · More developer tools

When to Use

This skill is applicable to execute the workflow or actions described in the overview.

Example

User request:

Use @hig-components-search for this task: Apple HIG guidance for navigation-related components including search fields, page controls, and path controls.

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.