James, this phenomena is exceedingly common. Termed navigational queries, or more generally known item finding, it was recently estimated to be > 30% of searches by researchers at Yahoo. That data and a lot of context at http://surfmind.com/muzings/?p=119 . I'm not sure of a term that describes going out of your way to use search when an easier solution is available.
Next question, why? Perhaps the value of one consistent method to get to places you know is the core value. It also varies by users -- some novice users may not understand the difference between the url and search bar. For more experienced users, perhaps it's the experience halo at Google though the widespread occurrence suggests it's more about search and the failure of browsers to adequately support revisitation. On Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 12:01 PM, James Box <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'm sure we've all witnessed on how common it is for a user-experience to > begin at Google these days, even when the user has a known destination/item. > > ... > > ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
