Sunday, October 9, 2011

Three Mindsets of Search

I have found some interesting research paper from About.com. They are releasing findings of a study on search behavior called "Three Mindsets of Search". The “search type” segmentation encompassed 59 variables of search behavior, and was developed through cluster analysis. 
Study revealed three distinct search types: 

1. Answer Me (46% of all searches) –
People in a “answer me” search want exactly what they ask for, and no more, delivered in a way that allows them to get to it as directly as possible.
2. Educate Me (26% of all searches) – People in an “educate me” search want 360 degrees of understanding, and multiple perspectives on critical topics. They will search until their goal is achieved – this may stretch over long periods of time and through related topics. 
3. Inspire Me (28% of all searches) – The fun “browsy” type of search, where people are looking for surprises, have open minds and want to be led.