Uncovering the Hidden Habits of Screen Scanners: How Past Experience and Expectations Influence Viewing Patterns
Tulasi Krishna
Chief Designer
In this blog post, I will discuss on the topic of how people scan screens based on past experience and expectations
When it comes to looking at a computer screen, the way in which we process the information presented to us is influenced by our past experiences and expectations. This is important to consider when designing user interfaces, as it can impact how effectively we are able to guide the viewer’s attention to the most important elements on the screen.
One factor that can influence how we scan a screen is the language we read in. If we are accustomed to reading in a left-to-right language, we are likely to begin scanning the screen in a similar manner. The same goes for right-to-left languages. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to skip over certain elements on the screen, such as logos, blank space, and navigation bars, and go straight to the center of the screen where they expect to find the most relevant information.
After our initial scan of the screen, we tend to follow our culture’s standard reading pattern (left to right, right to left, top to bottom). But if something catches our attention, such as a visually striking image or an animated banner, it can pull us away from this tendency.
We also tend to have a mental model of what we want to see and where we expect to see it on a computer screen. For example, if we frequently shop on Amazon and use the search field, we will likely look directly at the search field when the screen loads. This mental model can be shaped by our past experiences using the application or website.
If there is an error or unexpected problem with the task we are attempting to complete, we tend to narrow our focus and only look at the problem area. This is why it is important to design user interfaces in a way that minimizes the likelihood of errors and makes it easy for the user to find and fix any problems that do arise.
So, what can we take away from all of this when it comes to designing user interfaces? First, it is important to place the most important information or elements that you want the viewer to focus on in the top third of the screen or in the middle. Avoid putting anything important at the edges, as people tend to avoid looking there.
It is also important to design the screen or page in a way that allows the viewer to move through it in a natural reading pattern. A design that requires the viewer to constantly bounce back and forth between different parts of the screen can be disorienting and hinder their ability to complete the task at hand.
By considering how past experiences and expectations shape the way we look at screens, we can create user interfaces that are both efficient and engaging. This can help guide the viewer’s attention to the most important elements on the screen and improve their overall experience with the application or website.