Ali Demirbaş - Lab
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Search & Filtering

Should Filters Stay Sticky While Scrolling? A/B Test

A sticky filter panel keeps controls available without scrolling back to the top.

  • Filters
  • Purchase conversion rate (CR)

Control vs Variant

What the interface does on its own is the variable.

Changed
Behavior
Page
Filters
Difference
changed

Hypothesis

It also takes screen space away from products. Compare the same panel fixed versus in its normal position, not a full panel versus a small filter button.

How to run this test

Primary metric

Purchase conversion rate (CR)

Compare purchases among eligible visitors assigned to the filter panel when it is usable, over the same follow-up window.

Other metrics

  • Filter usage rateMeasure filter use among eligible assigned visitors who can access the panel.
  • Products actually seenCount distinct products that enter the viewport in the same list and time window.
  • Listing-to-product click-through rateCompare transitions from a product-list impression to a product page.
  • Zero-result rateTrack searches with no results among those where filters are applied.

What to check before and during the test

  • Sticky behaviorKeep the full panel the same and define one fixed sticky rule.
  • Screen spaceReview remaining screen area and product visibility beside or below the panel.
  • Panel designKeep panel content and size unchanged; a floating filter button is a different treatment.
  • TriggerSet the scroll point where the panel becomes sticky before launch.
  • DeviceInclude only layouts where the panel is usable and its behavior differs.

Setup mistakes to avoid

  1. 1Change sticky behavior only, not filter options.
  2. 2Do not make the fixed panel so large that it takes half the screen.
  3. 3Do not call a winner from filter use alone; review purchase conversion.
  4. 4Keep content below the panel accessible.
  5. 5Preserve keyboard focus order while navigating the fixed panel.