Insight

How replay, signals, and intent connect

Why one layer shows behavior, another detects pressure, and a third explains failure.

Core idea

Behavior is only useful when it can be interpreted. Replay, signals, and intent each explain a different part of the same moment, and none is complete on its own.

Why it matters

  • Replay shows what happened but not whether it matched the intended next action.
  • Signals detect friction but not whether the user still reached the right outcome.
  • Intent gives the missing direction behind the movement.

Explanation

  • A pause in replay can mean confusion, comparison, or blocked action.
  • Signals tell you whether that pause behaves like stress.
  • Intent tells you whether the user should have moved into checkout, activation, or another next step.

How EaseUse approaches it

  • Replay is treated as evidence.
  • Signals are treated as detection.
  • Intent is treated as explanation.

Supporting examples

  • Result viewed, no checkout: replay shows the path, signals show hesitation, intent shows missed next step.
  • Preferred option selected, then reversed: replay shows the switch, signals show uncertainty, intent shows the wrong path winning.

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