An empty list provides neither explanation nor a next step. Random recommendations may not solve the query.
No results with useful recovery paths
Explain zero results without blaming the shopper. Offer correction, a wider scope or removal of constraints.
Research context: Baymard · No-results recovery ↗
Retain the typed query. Offer a few relevant paths and distinguish zero matches from technical failure.
Try the pattern
Task and expected result
- 01
Search qqq: see the original query and clear-search control.
- 02
Search termokop: choose the correction and find mugs.
- 03
Search retur in product scope: widen it without retyping.
How to investigate value
Observe whether participants find an item meeting every need, not just how many cards they click. For measurement: relevant selections per eligible search/list visitor.
Watch for side effects
Zero results, false variant matches, lost list context and slow filters. More product-page visits are not necessarily better.
This is a proposed investigation, not a measured result. Choose one hypothesis and define the audience before testing.
Build a measurement plan for this concept ↗