The paper discusses phenomenography with a view to showing how such research may provide different insights into information needs, seeking and use than cognitive or constructivist approaches. Some distinguishing features are pointed out as regards the research focus on phenomena as experienced by users and on variation of experiences. The epistemological stance of phenomenography is emphasized with reference to phenomenology. The concept of experience is examined. Examples from two LIS research projects illustrate empirical research designs, interpretations and outcomes of a relational approach. The conclusions are that a phenomenographic approach may contribute new insights to the objects of research and offer solutions to some of the problems connected with empirical research within the framework of the cognitive viewpoint.