The Smile ElasticSuite module is widely regarded as the best open-source search engine for Magento 2. It provides a robust foundation for handling massive catalogs via Elasticsearch. However, for many developers, the default elasticsuite ux remains a bottleneck. While the backend can find products in milliseconds, the time it takes for the frontend to render an autocomplete dropdown or handle complex layered navigation can lead to user frustration and abandonment.

To maximize Magento product discovery, developers must look beyond the indexing engine. This technical guide identifies common UX friction points in standard implementations and demonstrates how specialized extensions like qoliber Fast Search can transform search from a utility into a conversion driver.

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Table of Contents

• 1. Identifying the Search UX Bottlenecks
• 2. Optimizing Autocomplete for Zero Latency
• 3. Improving Layered Navigation Logic
• 4. The qoliber Fast Search Advantage

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1. Identifying the Search UX Bottlenecks

In high-traffic Magento stores, the challenge is rarely "can we find the product?" but rather "how fast can we show it?" Standard ElasticSuite implementations often suffer from:

• Excessive DOM Elements: Default autocomplete templates can be heavy, leading to slow Time to Interactive (TTI).
• Synchronous Rendering: Blocking JavaScript that delays the appearance of search suggestions as the user types.
• Poor Mobile Adaptability: Search interfaces that don't account for limited viewport space or touch interactions.

2. Optimizing Autocomplete for Zero Latency

The first 300 milliseconds of a search interaction are critical. If the autocomplete dropdown doesn't appear instantly, users perceive the site as slow. Improving Elasticsuite UX requires a "frontend-first" approach to search results.

Developer Tactics:

• Asynchronous Data Fetching: Ensure that search suggestions are fetched via optimized AJAX calls that do not block the main thread.
• Lightweight Templating: Use Alpine.js or Magewire (common in Hyvä environments) to render the search results instantly with minimal JavaScript overhead.
• Visual Cues: Incorporate product thumbnails and price information directly in the autocomplete to speed up Magento product discovery.

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3. Improving Layered Navigation Logic

Search is only half the battle; the ability to filter results (Layered Navigation) is where most users refine their intent. ElasticSuite provides the logic, but the UX often fails during high-attribute filtering.

Optimization Steps:

• Multi-Select Filtering: Allow users to select multiple attributes without the page reloading after every click.
• Attribute Prioritization: Only show the most relevant filters based on the current search query to avoid choice paralysis.
• Elasticsearch Query Tuning: Optimize the "Aggregations" query in the backend to ensure filter counts are updated in real-time without latency.

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4. The qoliber Fast Search Advantage

Bridging the gap between a powerful backend and a fast frontend is exactly why qoliber Fast Search was developed. It doesn't replace the indexing power of ElasticSuite; it enhances the Elasticsuite UX by providing a high-performance frontend layer.

Key Features:

• Instant Results: Uses an optimized trie-based search index for the frontend to deliver suggestions as the user types, nearly eliminating perceived latency.
• Hyvä Compatibility: Built specifically for the modern Magento frontend, ensuring perfect Core Web Vitals (CWV) scores.
• Enhanced Discovery: Sophisticated "No Results Found" logic that suggests alternative products or categories, keeping users in the purchase funnel.

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Conclusion

ElasticSuite is a fantastic engine, but the frontend experience is what users ultimately judge. By focusing on low-latency autocomplete, streamlined navigation and modern rendering techniques, developers can significantly improve Magento product discovery. Tools like qoliber Fast Search provide the final piece of the puzzle, ensuring that your search functionality is as fast as the theme it runs on.

Explore qoliber’s Hyvä-compatible ecosystem - performance-first, compliance-ready.

Article updated December, 2026