Search Results Illustration System
Designing a comprehensive set of editorial illustrations for empty states, error pages, and topic categories across the Ask Jeeves search experience.
The challenge
The search experience had inconsistent visuals - stock icons mixed with outdated illustrations and bare empty states that felt cold and unhelpful. Users had no visual continuity across the product.
Create a cohesive illustration language that makes every corner of the search experience feel warm, helpful, and distinctly Ask Jeeves.
The solution
Visual Audit & Style Definition
Audited all existing visuals across the product to catalog inconsistencies. Defined a unified illustration style guide covering color, line weight, perspective, and character integration.
Topic Icon Library
Illustrated 200+ topic category icons spanning news, sports, entertainment, science, travel, and more. Each icon was designed to be instantly recognizable at 48px while remaining expressive at larger sizes.
Empty States & Error Scenes
Created narrative illustration scenes for no-results, offline, and error states - each featuring Jeeves in a helpful, empathetic pose. Scenes were designed to reduce frustration and guide users toward next steps.
The results
Empty state engagement increased by 44%, user-reported satisfaction with the search experience rose by 29%, and the illustration system became the foundation for all future visual design at Ask Jeeves.