When a Joomla website’s search functionality displays results using the site’s main template rather than a dedicated search results template, it creates a disjointed user experience. For example, a search conducted from a blog category page might display results within the home page’s layout, complete with its modules and design elements, instead of a streamlined results page. This can lead to confusion, especially if the home page’s structure differs significantly from other sections of the website.
Consistent presentation of search results is crucial for website usability. A dedicated search results template offers a clean, focused display of relevant information, enhancing the visitor’s ability to quickly find what they seek. This template typically prioritizes the display of search results, minimizing distractions from other site elements. Historically, content management systems often defaulted to displaying search results within the current template, leading to the type of inconsistency described above. Modern best practice favors dedicated search results templates to improve user experience and ensure clear information architecture.
