User Intent

User Intent

User Intent Jonathan Poland

User intent refers to the goal or objective that a person has in mind at a given moment. Modeling user intent can help improve user interfaces and services, such as search engines, and can also be useful in marketing efforts, such as conversion optimization. By understanding the intent behind a user’s actions, it is possible to provide more relevant and personalized experiences, leading to better user satisfaction and engagement. The following are examples.

Commercial
The user is looking to buy something or sign up for a service. For example, a search query such as “presents for Father’s Day.”

Commercial Research
A user is conducting research that is commercially relevant such as planning a project or business strategy. For example, “sales automation platforms.”

Problem Solving
A user has a problem they are trying to solve. For example, “computer feels hot and crashes.”

Personal Research
A user is conducting research out of personal interest that may lead to commercial relationships. For example, a fashion enthusiast is interested in what’s going on at fashion week and discovers an interesting new brand.

Media Research
A media creator such as a blogger or video producer is researching a topic that may lead to publicity for a brand, technology, topic or issue.

School Research
A student is doing research for a school project. For example a search query such as “the impact of technology on culture.”

Entertainment
The user is looking for entertainment. For example “cute funny cats.”

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