Figure 1. The nature and impact of serendipitous information 
encounters. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Have an idea where 
it may be found 
No idea where it 
may be found 
High            Uncertainty surrounding the            ...Low
location of useful information 
High 
 
 
Uncertainty 
of the pre- 
specification 
of relevant 
content 
 
 
Low 
1a - Recognise anticipated 
information when it is 
encountered 
 
1b ? Recognise anticipated 
information when it is 
encountered 
3 ? Impact  
Problem-structure or 
solution is strengthened/  
confirmed/ refuted 
2a - Realise unexpected    
value of information when 
encountered 
2b - Realise unexpected 
value of information when 
encountered 
4 - Impact  
Problem-structure or 
solution is reconfigured or 
new direction taken 
Anticipate the 
nature of 
content needed 
and how it 
would be 
useful 
Recognise by 
surprise the 
value of 
unanticipated 
content