# Intent signals

> Behavior patterns Orwel reads from each session and the action each one suggests.

Orwel reads how a visitor behaves in a session (clicks, scroll, hovers, form inputs, pace) and turns it into **intent signals**: behavior patterns such as *comparing options*, *ready to act* or *lost*. They are statistical patterns of on-page behavior, not a psychological profile of the person, and they exist to trigger a useful action: show proof to someone who is verifying claims, offer help to someone who is lost, shorten the path for someone ready to act.

<Note>
  Signals are computed from on-site behavior only. They never use sensitive categories, and they are exposed to you through the app, the API and MCP; nothing is shown to the visitor unless you build it.
</Note>

## Signal to action

| Signal | What the session looks like | A useful response |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Decisive | Few pages, straight to pricing or signup | Keep the path short, put the CTA first |
| Skeptical | Rereads pricing, opens comparisons and FAQs | Show social proof, guarantees and docs |
| Lost | Back and forth, repeated searches, no progress | Offer chat or a guided tour |
| Curious | Many pages, long reads, no conversion yet | Offer a guide, newsletter or demo |
| Anxious | Starts forms and abandons them | Reduce fields, reassure about price and data |
| Engaged | Long session, deep scroll, returns often | Invite to trial, call or community |

## The 12 signals

Every session is scored against 12 behavior patterns, grouped below. A visitor usually shows a mix, with one or two dominant signals. The API names them personalities for backwards compatibility.

### Action Architects
*Users who are goal-oriented and structured.*

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Decisive" icon="bolt" href="/concepts/personalities/decisive">
    Quick to act, focused on results.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Impulsive" icon="fire" href="/concepts/personalities/impulsive">
    Acts on immediate urges, high energy.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Methodical" icon="list-check" href="/concepts/personalities/methodical">
    Systematic, detail-oriented.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Focused" icon="crosshairs" href="/concepts/personalities/focused">
    Highly attentive to specific tasks.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Information Explorers
*Users who seek knowledge and understanding.*

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Curious" icon="magnifying-glass" href="/concepts/personalities/curious">
    Seeks new information, explores widely.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Skeptical" icon="shield" href="/concepts/personalities/skeptical">
    Cautious, verifies claims.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Lost" icon="compass" href="/concepts/personalities/lost">
    Disoriented or unsure.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Social Connectors
*Users driven by interaction and community.*

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Social" icon="users" href="/concepts/personalities/social">
    Seeks connection with others.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Reactive" icon="bell" href="/concepts/personalities/reactive">
    Responds to external stimuli.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Emotional States
*Transient states reflecting current mood.*

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Anxious" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/concepts/personalities/anxious">
    Worried or hesitant.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Playful" icon="gamepad" href="/concepts/personalities/playful">
    Fun-seeking, non-linear.
  </Card>
  <Card title="Engaged" icon="heart" href="/concepts/personalities/engaged">
    Deeply involved and committed.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Calculation Logic

The engine uses a **Bayesian Inference** model combined with **Rate-Based Feature Extraction**.

1.  **Event Collection**: The SDK captures granular events (clicks, scrolls, hovers, form inputs).
2.  **Feature Engineering**: Events are normalized into rates (e.g., `clicks_per_minute`, `interaction_ratio`) to account for session duration.
3.  **Probabilistic Scoring**: Each trait has a Gaussian probability model. The engine calculates the likelihood of the observed behavior matching each trait's profile.
4.  **Confidence Score**: A confidence score (0-1) is assigned to each trait. Traits with high confidence (>0.6) are considered active.

## Personality Combos (Synergies)

When a visitor exhibits two strong traits simultaneously, they form a **Personality Combo**. These combinations provide deeper insight into complex behaviors.

### Complementary Synergies
Positive combinations that enhance user capability.

*   **Executive Architect** (Decisive + Methodical): Deep analysis followed by decisive action. The ideal B2B buyer.
*   **Community Catalyst** (Social + Playful): Drives engagement and viral growth.
*   **Critical Researcher** (Curious + Skeptical): Explores widely but evaluates rigorously. Hard to win over, but loyal once convinced.
*   **Goal Achiever** (Decisive + Engaged): Quick decision-making with long-term commitment.
*   **Specialist Commitment** (Focused + Engaged): Intense concentration with sustained interest.

### Conflict Patterns
Opposing traits that indicate friction or uncertainty.

*   **Tension Pattern** (Impulsive + Methodical): Urgency vs. Deliberation. The user wants to act but feels the need to check details, leading to erratic behavior.
*   **Stress Pattern** (Anxious + Decisive): Caution vs. Action. Often results in "approach-avoidance" cycles (starting a form, stopping, starting again).
*   **Navigation Conflict** (Lost + Focused): Disorientation vs. Concentration. The user is trying hard to find something but failing.

## Using Personalities

You can retrieve the inferred personalities for a visitor using the API:

```http
GET /api/v1/identities/{id}/personalities
```

Use these insights to personalize the experience:
*   **For Decisive users**: Show "Buy Now" buttons and quick checkout.
*   **For Skeptical users**: Highlight social proof, guarantees, and detailed specs.
*   **For Lost users**: Trigger a proactive support chat or simplified navigation.