[Feature] Custom Notification for Empty Search Field Instead of Browser's Native Modal

[SylviaUzoh1]

Problem

Currently, when the search field is empty and the search button is clicked, the browser shows a default native modal with the message: "search.creativecommons.org says please enter a value." This behavior feels inconsistent with the overall user experience and design of the site. The native modal can be abrupt and less user-friendly, especially since it doesn’t match the site's visual style.

Description

I propose introducing a custom notification or prompt system for situations where a required input field is left empty (like the search field). Instead of relying on the browser’s default modal, we could display a properly styled and branded message within the page itself. This could be a subtle popup, a toast notification, or an inline error message that aligns with the overall UI design, improving user experience.

Alternatives

An alternative solution could be to use a small, inline error message directly below the input field. This would avoid popups and keep the user interface clean and accessible. However, a custom notification or toast would be more visible and engaging, especially on larger screens.

Additional context

This feature would improve the consistency and usability of the search functionality, making error handling smoother and more intuitive. It could also reduce the dependence on browser-specific error handling, which may behave differently across various browsers.

Implementation

• I would be interested in implementing this feature.

[possumbilities]

I'd love to see a more specific spec for how this would be implemented. Something inline is likely the best UX. Moving to https://github.com/creativecommons/search/issues?q=state%3Aopen%20label%3A%22%F0%9F%A7%B9%20status%3A%20ticket%20work%20required%22 until there's a more concise direction here.

[SylviaUzoh1]

@possumbilities thank you for the feedback!
I agree that an inline error message below the search field would offer the best UX. It would appear when the user submits an empty input, styled to match the site's design (e.g., red text). This can be implemented with JavaScript for validation.

Let me know if this approach works, and I can provide more detailed specs.

[Immy-delish]

Hello @SylviaUzoh1 and @possumbilities . This issue was already opened here #238 and the implementation was agreed. Opening it again duplicates it. I think we can work on it since the status is "Ready for Work" .