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Source: Nielsen Norman Group
Published: May 2020
Online Information-Seeking Behaviors
Circulated: June 22, 2020
User experience researchers identified three types of online information-seeking behaviors based on the user’s purpose:
1. Acquire: The user looks for a fact, finds product information, or downloads something.
Example: the steps to perform CPR.
2. Compare/Choose: The user evaluates multiple products or information sources to make a decision.
Example: comparing the prices and features of Bluetooth headsets.
3. Understand: The user gains an understanding of a topic.
Example: deciding to mount your wifi router higher up on the wall for stronger signal throughout your home.