Evaluation of Visualization-based Information Retrieval Interface- A Case Of EBSCOhost 2.0
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Chang, Kai-Jie
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more visualization-based retrieval tools are applied to cross-system integrated search. To investigate how users might interact with visualization tools, an empirical study was conducted in which real users with real search request were asked to search alternately with “Column” and “Block” versions of EBSCOhost’s visualization-based information retrieval interface.
There were two parts of inqueries, one is to identify possible usability issues; there other is to see how the use of the interfaces might impact users’ cognitive states and queries. The Multiple methods were applied to acquire rich data to address those questions, including questionnaire, in-depth interview, retrospective think-aloud, and comparisons of users’ pre- and post- search queries.
A total of 12 Master’s students in Library and Information Science participated in the study, each searched for their own task alternately on the two versions of the visualization tool, resulting in 24 search sessions. Nine usuability issues, with different degrees of severity, were identified. The interfaces were found to impact on users’ queries and cognitive states. Based on the participants’ comments, it was found that the visualization was more beneficial for search for new areas the users were not familiar with.
Subjects
information visualization
visualization information retrieval
visualization
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