Discovering

Definition

Discovering is an exploratory mental mode where users are browsing without a specific target in mind. They are receptive to inspiration and enjoy engaging with new or unexpected content. Discovering belongs to the ‘Navigational’ Mode Family: focused on movement and orientation within a system.

Synonyms include: Exploring, Browsing, Wandering.

Contextual Relevance by Role

• Worker: Exploring benefits, open roles, or learning modules.
• Manager: Discovering reporting views, workflows, or team trends.
• HR Partner: Exploring people data trends, engagement signals, or planning dependencies.
• Developer: Discovering APIs, documentation, or reusable tooling components.
• Finance Specialist: Exploring report patterns, compliance policies, or cost-saving opportunities.

Mental Model

• Open-ended exploration
• Browsing without specific criteria
• Receptive to suggestions and new ideas
• Building mental maps of what’s available

Emotional Context

• Curious and open-minded
• Relaxed time pressure
• Enjoyment of the process itself
• Excitement about potential discoveries

Behaviors

• Scanning rather than reading deeply
• Following interesting paths rather than direct routes
• Frequent pivoting between topics
• Bookmarking for later rather than immediate action

Journey Stage

When in the user journey this intent typically occurs:

• Early-stage exploration
• Entry into new product areas
• Onboarding or casual engagement phases

Measuring Discoverability

How easily users can find new, relevant content or features they weren’t explicitly looking for.

Quantitative Metrics

• Exploration depth (number of unique items viewed)
• Discovering rate (new items found per session)
• Browse-to-save ratio (items saved while browsing)
• Feature discovery rate (% of users who find key features)

Qualitative Indicators

• Feeling of exploration or inspiration
• Perceived usefulness of suggestions
• Satisfaction with variety and flow

Design Implications

1. Emphasize Visual Browsing

Discovering users scan for intrigue, not details. They’re drawn to patterns, color, and layout more than dense information.  → Use card-based layouts, rich imagery, and visual hierarchy to enable fast, intuitive scanning. Avoid long blocks of text or list-heavy structures unless surfaced later.

2. Provide Clear Entry Points

Exploration still needs structure. Users don’t want to wander aimlessly — they want inviting doors into interesting areas.  → Use featured collections, themes, categories, or seasonal/topical groupings to help users orient themselves and get started.

3. Show Related Items Contextually

When users find something interesting, they’re often open to exploring adjacent items — this is where exploration deepens.  → Include “related” modules, smart suggestions, or paths like “users also explored…” to encourage serendipitous branching.

4. Avoid Overwhelming Users With Choices

When users find something interesting, they’re often open to exploring adjacent items — this is where exploration deepens.  → Include “related” modules, smart suggestions, or paths like “users also explored…” to encourage serendipitous branching.

5. Surface Serendipity With Subtle Nudges

Part of the value of Discovery is surprise — encountering something valuable you weren’t expecting. 

→ Introduce lightweight nudges or surprising highlights (e.g. “you might’ve missed…”), and leave space for non-linear navigation.

UX Domains

• Navigation
• Content exploration

UX Context Examples

• Content recommendations
• Category browsing
• Featured collections
• Trending items sections

Components and Patterns

• Media Card
• Hero Banner
• Content Carousel
• Related Content Links
• Tabbed Browsing Sections

Do’s and Don’ts

Mistaking Discovering for Finding

• Discovering is exploratory — users are open to a range of inputs.
• Designing for precision (e.g. heavy filters, search-first UX) can backfire when users don’t yet know what to look for.

Overwhelming Users

• Too many options can create paralysis.
• Discovery benefits from gentle guidance, not exhaustive menus.

Neglecting Momentum

• Avoid dead-ends or unrewarding clicks.
• Discovery works best when users feel rewarded at each step — even when they don’t take immediate action.