6. People Scan Screens Based on Past Experience and Expectations

Where to Look First

Depending on your language, you will read left to right or vice versa. This will distinct where you look first. People typically focus on the middle of the page and side where they begin to read. The top of the page is often ignored, containing ordinary information like logos, black space, and navigation bars.  The edges are often ignored since they typically contain ads and irrelevant information per what they are looking for. 

Directing Focus

You have the ability to direct focus away from the typical reading pattern. Photos grab attention, especially ones that contain faces. Movements like animations, videos, flashing, or blinking will draw attention. 

Mental Models

People have a mental model of where things tend to be on a computer screen. People also have a mental model of the applications or website they typically use. They will look at a screen based on these mental models. 

How Problem's Effect View

When an error or a  problem occurs, attention is redirected to the problem area.