Visual Information Seeking Mantra

A design principle for information visualisation coined by Ben Shneiderman, summarised as "overview first, zoom and filter, then details-on-demand." The mantra describes an optimal pattern for presenting complex information: start with a broad overview so users can orient themselves, allow them to narrow their focus to areas of interest, and then provide detailed information when requested. In accessibility contexts, this principle has been adapted for non-visual interfaces, where hierarchical information structures allow screen reader users to gain an overview of a space or dataset before drilling into specifics — supporting cognitive map formation without requiring visual perception.