Improve global search sidebar filter UX consistency

This issue is to capture the discussion from !183492 (closed) and so that it can be put into planning for global search.

Problem

The search sidebar has inconsistent filter behavior:

  • Group, project, and search type filters apply instantly
  • Other filters require an "Apply" button
  • Limited visual feedback between active vs pending changes
  • Users are confused by mixed interaction patterns

Proposal

Redesign search filter interactions to:

  1. Visually separate instant-apply from confirmation-required filters
  2. Make "Apply" button more prominent when changes are pending
  3. Improve active vs pending filter state visualization

UX quick concept

This quick concept is from the discsussion on !183492 (comment 2383100656)

  • Separate the instant and 'apply needed' controls
  • Increase the visibility of the apply button and make the 'dirty' state clearer by fixing position when dirty.
Clean Dirty
Screenshot 2025-03-06 at 14.25.04.png Screenshot 2025-03-06 at 14.30.01.png

This is just a concept from the issue discussion and not a strict recommendation

Technical Notes

  • Maintain existing filter dependencies (noted by @tbulva)
  • Group/project filters affect options below them
  • When project/group set to 'ANY', code filter is disabled

References