A framework for search interfaces

TitleA framework for search interfaces
Publication TypeJournal Articles
Year of Publication1997
AuthorsShneiderman B
JournalIEEE Software
Volume14
Issue2
Pagination18 - 20
Date Published1997/04//Mar
ISBN Number0740-7459
KeywordsAbstracts, Cities and towns, Databases, Delay, design practice, four-phase framework, frequent users, Information retrieval, Information services, Libraries, multimedia libraries, online front-ends, popular search systems, predictable design, Protection, relevance ranked list, search interfaces, search results, stand alone systems, textual database searching, Thesauri, User interfaces, user performance, word processing, World Wide Web
Abstract

Searching textual databases can be confusing for users. Popular search systems for the World Wide Web and stand alone systems typically provide a simple interface: users type in keywords and receive a relevance ranked list of 10 results. This is appealing in its simplicity, but users are often frustrated because search results are confusing or aspects of the search are out of their control. If we are to improve user performance, reduce mistaken assumptions, and increase successful searches, we need more predictable design. To coordinate design practice, we suggest a four-phase framework that would satisfy first time, intermittent, and frequent users accessing a variety of textual and multimedia libraries

DOI10.1109/52.582969