About Qwant
Qwant is a European search engine that prioritizes user privacy and data protection. With nearly 60 million unique visitors per month, it stands as one of the most prominent privacy-focused search engines in Europe.
The Challenge
We faced two primary challenges:
- Increasing company revenue while maintaining privacy standards
- Attracting a younger audience while retaining existing users
The project required a delicate balance between modernizing the interface and maintaining the familiar aspects that our existing users valued.
Research Phase
We partnered with the LUTIN lab to conduct comprehensive usability tests:
- Eye-tracking studies to understand user attention patterns
- User interviews across different age groups
- Analysis of search behavior and patterns
- Competitive analysis of other search engines
Design Process
1. Layout Optimization
We transitioned from a three-column to a two-column layout, improving readability and maintaining the familiar "F" reading pattern characteristic of search engines.
2. Vertical Integration
We created dedicated search universes for specific content types (Music, Games, Sports), each with its own optimized interface and features.
3. Design System Development
We built a comprehensive design system that unified our visual language and streamlined the development process across all product features.
Key Features
- Redesigned search results layout for improved scanning
- New "Instant Answers" feature for quick information access
- Dedicated vertical experiences for specific content types
- Improved mobile responsiveness and accessibility
- Enhanced visual hierarchy and typography
Results & Impact
The redesign was highly successful, achieving:
- 85% satisfaction rate in user surveys
- Significant increase in younger user engagement
- Improved search result interaction rates
- Positive feedback across social media platforms
The project set new standards for privacy-focused search engines and demonstrated that user privacy and excellent user experience can coexist.