What it does is self-evident from the wording.

If a new user doesn't look with any care then they won't see it. But there is no need to "hunt" since it's near the top. You're making it sound like it's buried, which it isn't.

In an ideal world the layout would be improved a little and maybe if you ask whoever can do that nicely then it may happen.

 

It might be self-evident what the button does, but it certainly isn't new user evident, hence this thread.

When a new user comes to the forum and sees approximately 25% of the screen taken up by a box saying "ask a question", and arguably the most important function "seach this forum" is hidden away amongst a clutter of other buttons, adverts and junk, it really shouldn't come a surprise if the new user does as the website designer clearly intended (by accident or otherwise) and asks a question.

If we want new users to use the search this forum button, it needs to be as prominent as the ask a question button. Expecting any other type of behaviour from new users is simply wishful thinking.

 

As I already said, the forum should not suggest new users ask a question.

That's just dumb.

It ought to ask what kind of Jaguar they are most interested in and point them at the appropriate forum and its forum Search.

But perhaps like the big net companies what really matters is pushing ads at people so it doesn't matter what a new/guest user sees?