F-Shape Pattern And How Users Read

There are different scanning patterns on the web:

F-Pattern

Users first read horizontally, then read less and less, until they start scanning vertically. First lines of text and first words on each line receive more attention.
Layer-Cake Pattern

Users scan consistently across headings, with deliberate jumps into body text in-between. Most effective way to scan pages and find key content details.
Love-at-First-Sight Pattern

Users are often “satisficers”, searching for what’s good enough, not exhaustive enough. In search results, they often fixate on a single result, and nothing else.
Lawn-Mower Pattern

In tables, users start in the top left cell, move to right until the end of the row, then drop down to the next row, moving in the same pattern.
Spotted Pattern

Skipping big chunks of text and focusing on patterns. Often happens in search when users look for specific words, shapes, links, dates etc.
Marking Pattern

Eyes focus in one place as the mouse scrolls or a finger swipes. Common on mobile more than on desktop.
Bypassing Pattern

Users deliberately skip first words of the line when multiple lines start with the same word.
Commitment Pattern

Reading the entire content, word-by word. Happens when users are highly motivated and interested. Common for older adults.

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