Four Modes of Seeking Information and How to Design for Them - Boxes and Arrows

Information Architecture, Resurgance

Last year I had to really dig around to find anyone in greater Hartford that knew anything about what designing a site means when you aren't a graphic artist or Pearson School designer by trade. This year, in 2006, I am happy to say, the buzz words are getting a slight lift!

This article at web designers fav, Boxes and Arrows, describes the 4 modes of ... looking, searching, reading, surfing... that a visitor will do and how to architect the site to proactively meet those needs...

Four Modes of Seeking Information and How to Design for Them - Boxes and Arrows: "Conclusion
The most important issue is not whether you notice a mode of seeking information that fits into one of these categories, but that a range of modes exist. Observe how your users approach information, consider what it means, and design to allow them to achieve what they need."

--Kate