6,999 research outputs found
A Validated Framework for Measuring Interface Support for Interactive Information Seeking
No full textIn this paper we present the validation of an evaluation framework that models the support provided by search systems for different types of user and their expected types of seeking behavior. Factors determining the types of users include previous knowledge and goals. After an overview is presented, the framework is validated in two ways. First, the novel integration of the two existing information-seeking models used in the framework is validated by the correlation of multiple expert and novice analysis. Second, the framework is validated against the results produced by two separated user studies. Further, the refinements made by the first validation technique are shown to increase the accuracy of the framework through the second technique. The successful validation process has shown that the framework can identify both strong and weak areas of search interface design in only a few hours. The results produced can be used to either revise and strengthen designs or inform the structure of a user study
Wilson, Hon. M.C.
No full textTitle from unverified information on negative sleeve.Annotation from negative, scratched into emulsion: 2011; Iinked on tape: Hon Wilson, M.C. 1408 [crossed out].Forms part of Brady-Handy Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)
The Importance of Conveying Inter-Facet Relationships for Making Sense of Unfamiliar Domains
No full textThe design of online retail environments has improved significantly by including features such as faceted navigation, which provide meta-data to users as a means to apply constraints over the available products. The position held in this paper, and supported by a growing body of evidence, is that the specific implementation of such faceted experiences can increase the support for more exploratory searches and sensemaking in unfamiliar domains of information. The challenge remains, however, to understand exactly what aspects of the browsers support sensemaking and how. We conclude that the powerful models of information seeking used in recent research can be combined with sensemaking models to understand more about what interface elements support users as they progress in their knowledge acquisition during sensemaking and more exploratory tasks
Exploring Heterogeneous Datasets from Different Searcher Perspectives
No full textThis paper demonstrates how a recently developed analytical usability evaluation method, the Sii framework, can by used to inspect semantic search interfaces for how they support people working with the large heterogeneous datasets afforded by linked data. To enrich the discussion, an analysis of the Tabulator browser for linked data is presented and discussed in terms of the workshop’s case study surrounding archivists. The analysis shows that while the Tabulator provides some strong support for sense-making, it would struggle to support such archivists in first defining their needs. In analyzing the Tabulator from the perspectives of the archivists, this paper demonstrates how the new Sii method can provide rigor and reason to the assessment of future design decisions made for semantic web user interactions
Improving Exploratory Search Interfaces: Adding Value or Information Overload?
No full textOne method for supporting more exploratory forms of search has been to include a compound of new interface features, such as facets, previews, collection points, synchronous communication, and note-taking spaces, within a single search interface. One side effect, however, is that some compounds can be confusing, rather than supportive during search. Faceted browsing, for example, conveys domain terminology and supports rich interaction, but can potentially present an abundance of information. In this paper we focus on the faceted example and conclude with our position that Cognitive Load Theory can be used to estimate and thus manage the potential complexities of adding new features to search interfaces
Evaluating Collaborative Search Interfaces with Information Seeking Theory
No full textDespite the many implicit references to the social aspects of search within the history of Information Seeking and Retrieval research, there has been relatively little work that has specifically investigated the additional requirements for collaborative search software. In this paper we re-assess a recent evaluation framework, designed for individual information seeking experiences, to see a) how it can still be applied to collaborative search software; b) how it can produce additional requirements; and c) how it could be extended in future work to be even more appropriate for collaborative search evaluation. The results of the investigation reveal that it can be used to evaluate the available interactions with collaborative search software, while providing new insights into their requirements. Finally, future work will investigate roles within collaborative groups as a means to extend the framework
Structured Inspections of Search Interfaces: A Practitioners Guide
No full textIn this paper we present a practitioners guide on how to apply a new inspection framework that evaluates search interfaces for their support of different searcher types. Vast amounts of money are being invested into search, and so it is becoming increasingly important to identify problems in design early, while it is relatively cheap to rectify them. The inspection method presented here can be applied quickly to early prototypes, as well as existing systems, and goes beyond other inspection methods, like Cognitive Walkthroughs, to produces rich analyses, including the support provided for different search tactics and user types. The guide is presented as a detailed example, assessing a previously unevaluated search interface: the Tabulator, and so also provides design recommendations for improving it. We conclude with a summary of the benefits of the evaluation framework, and discuss our plans for future enhancements
Sii: the lightweight analytical search interface inspector
No full textIn this paper we report on a recent analytical inspection framework, called Sii, which has been designed to evaluate the ways in which a search interface supports different information seeking behaviours. Using established theories from information seeking research, this inspection method can be used by the designers of search interfaces to quickly assess design ideas. Whether the evaluator is a digital librarian, a usability specialist, or an information retrieval engineer, the method provides early search-focused insights into designs. We present an overview of the framework, some key related research, and some example results. We conclude by discussing our efforts for making sure the method is as lightweight to apply as possible, while still producing insightful results
mSpace: What do Numbers and Totals Mean in a Flexible Semantic Browser
No full textWith the Semantic Web community’s growing interest in Human Computer Interaction, this paper addresses a challenge for user interface design and future shifts in search paradigms. Where browsers using current search paradigms often use numeric values to indicate volumes of sub-hierarchies, future semantic browsers will not be limited to fixed hierarchical datasets, but allow flexible exploration through multiple intersecting domains. With the future use of similar numeric indicators uncertain, research here suggests that the inclusion of such indicators should be based around focal data objects within each information domain. Further research is required, as a significant number of contradicting participant expectations were present. It is the concern of the Semantic Web community to make sure that future btic search paradigms can best support their users
Backward Highlighting: Enhancing Faceted Search
No full textDirectional faceted browsers, like the popular columnar browser iTunes, let a person pick an instance from any column-facet to start their search for music. The expected effect is that any columns to the right are filtered. In keeping with this directional filtering from left to right, however, the unexpected effect is that the columns to the left of the click provide no information about the possible associations to the selected item. In iTunes, this means that any selection in the Album column on the right returns no information about either the Artists (immediate left) or Genres (leftmost) associated with the chosen album. Backward Highlighting is our solution to this problem, which allows users to see and utilize, during search, associations in columns to the left of a selection in a directional column browser like iTunes. Unlike other possible solutions, this technique allows such browsers to keep direction in their filtering, and so provides users with the best of both directional and non-directional styles. Providing the technique is not cheap, however, as it produces significantly more queries over the data. As well as describing the detail of Backward Highlighting, this paper presents the results of a formative user study into the benefits the technique provides to users. System designers can then determine whether the technique should be used given both the system costs and the significant benefits shown for information discovery and subsequent retention in memory
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