I'm designing a search interface for an insurance claims system. The system contains hundreds of thousands of records. Most users will know and search by a claim number, though claimants name can be searched on as well.
I'm considering the following approaches for the search behavior:
- Offer a dedicated search entry page with a single entry field (enter claim number or name). When the user enters a query the system will display a dedicated results page. Display a search form above the results where the user can modify the query.
- Offer a single page for both search and results. By default, the page will display a search form above an empty results section (empty state). When the user enters a query the matching results will display below the search form.
Is it better to have dedicated pages or a single search/results page?