Proposal: Visual Search Engine Selector (One-Click Search) in URL Bar & New Tab

[lucasrbsouza]

The Problem: Discoverability and Ease of Use

Currently, to switch search engines in Zen Browser, users rely heavily on "search shortcuts" (like typing @google, @bing, etc.). While this is powerful for keyboard-centric users, it has significant UX drawbacks:

• Low Discoverability: New users might not know these shortcuts exist or which aliases are defined.
  

• Memory Load: Users have to memorize specific aliases for every engine they add.
  

• Mouse/Touch Friction: Users who prefer navigating with a mouse or trackpad have no quick way to switch engines without typing.
  

The Proposal

I suggest implementing a Visual Search Engine Selector, similar to Firefox's native "One-Click Search Engines" feature.

1. Address Bar (URL Bar) Behavior:
   When the user focuses on the URL bar (or starts typing), a row of search engine icons should appear at the bottom of the suggestions popup.

   Action: Clicking an icon (e.g., YouTube) effectively types the shortcut for the user or switches the search context instantly for that query.

   Settings: This row should respect the search engines configured in the browser settings.

2. New Tab Page (NTP) Behavior:
   Similar to the URL bar, the search box on the New Tab Page could feature a small dropdown or a row of icons allowing the user to select the provider visually before they hit Enter.

Why this fits Zen Browser:

Zen focuses on a polished, user-friendly experience. Bringing back this visual cue (which exists in the underlying Firefox base) improves accessibility and makes the browser more welcoming to users migrating from other browsers who are used to clicking to choose their search provider.

Visual Reference: