8 research outputs found
A Survey of Definitions and Models of Exploratory Search
International audienceExploratory search has an unclear and open-ended definition. The complexity of the task and the difficulty of defining this activity are reflected in the limits of existing evaluation methods for exploratory search systems. In order to improve them, we intend to design an evaluation method based on a user-centered model of exploratory search. In this work, we identified and defined the characteristics of exploratory search and used them as an information seeking model evaluation grid. We tested this analytic grid on two information seeking models: Ellis' and Marchionini's models. The results show that Marchonini's model does not match our evaluation method's requirements whereas on the other hand Ellis' model could be adapted to better suit exploratory search
Un ModĂšle de Recherche Exploratoire pour l'Ăvaluation de ses SystĂšmes & Applications
International audienceCurrent evaluation methods of exploratory search systems are still incomplete as they are not fully based on a suitable model of the exploratory search process: as such they cannot be used to determine if they effectively support exploratory search behaviours and tasks. Aiming to elaborate evaluation methods based on an appropriate model of exploratory search, we propose in this paper a model of the exploratory search process compliant with the acknowledged exploratory search characteristics, and we present the first evaluation of this model.Les moteurs de recherche exploratoire sont des systeÌmes visant aÌ assister le processus dâexploration dâinformation. Les meÌthodes actuelles dâeÌvaluation de ces moteurs ne sont pas adapteÌes pour veÌrifier sâils assistent effectivement et compleÌtement les comportements et taÌches de recherche exploratoire, car elles ne reposent pas sur un modeÌle approprieÌ de ces comportements et taÌches. Afin dâeÌlaborer des meÌthodes dâeÌvaluation baseÌes sur une meilleure compreÌhension du processus dâexploration, nous proposons ici un modeÌle du processus de recherche exploratoire conforme aux caracteÌristiques reconnues de processus et preÌsentons une premieÌre eÌvaluation de ce modeÌle
A Model-based Heuristic Evaluation Method of Exploratory Search
International audienceA shortcoming of current evaluation methods of exploratory search engines is that they cannot be used to determine whether users' behaviours and exploratory search tasks are usefully supported. One main reason is that these methods rely on a loosely defined model of the exploratory search process. The aim of this paper is to propose a new model-based heuristic evaluation method of these systems. We present the approach used to design the heuristics of exploratory search and a checklist form for using them. The evaluation of the heuristics and its procedure demonstrates that they significantly help the users achieve an exploratory search system assessment
"Exploratory search" - kĆopoty architekta informacji z terminologiÄ
Information environments (co-) designed by information architects should significantly support the
users in obtaining information. Using English-language literature as source of examples, the author
characterizes user activity type referred to as exploratory search, especially the concept of information
foraging, which she suggests calling âtraversing information environmentsâ.
This article aims at clarifying and organizing Polish terminology related to exploratory practices and
user experiences. The analysis of Polish sources on information science of the 21st century evidences the
terminological disorder. The author believes that order, precision and terminological consistency are
especially needed in the dynamically developing area of information architecture in Poland, especially
if treated as an academic discipline. The findings contribute to the theory and methodology of the Polish
school of information architecture. The author believes that a constructive discussion of information
professionals might be initiated by the proposals presented in this article
Using Knowledge Anchors to Facilitate User Exploration of Data Graphs
YesThis paper investigates how to facilitate usersâ exploration through data graphs for knowledge expansion. Our work
focuses on knowledge utility â increasing usersâ domain knowledge while exploring a data graph. We introduce a novel exploration support mechanism underpinned by the subsumption theory of meaningful learning, which postulates that new knowledge is grasped by starting from familiar concepts in the graph which serve as knowledge anchors from where links to new knowledge are made. A core algorithmic component for operationalising the subsumption theory for meaningful learning to generate exploration
paths for knowledge expansion is the automatic identification of knowledge anchors in a data graph (KADG). We present
several metrics for identifying KADG which are evaluated against familiar concepts in human cognitive structures. A subsumption algorithm that utilises KADG for generating exploration paths for knowledge expansion is presented, and applied in the context of a Semantic data browser in a music domain. The resultant exploration paths are evaluated in a task-driven experimental user study compared to free data graph exploration. The findings show that exploration paths, based on subsumption and using knowledge anchors, lead to significantly higher increase in the usersâ conceptual knowledge and better usability than free exploration of data graphs. The work opens a new avenue in semantic data exploration which investigates the link between learning and knowledge exploration. This extends the value of exploration and enables broader applications of data graphs in systems where the end users are not experts in the specific domain
Intelligent Support for Exploration of Data Graphs
This research investigates how to support a userâs exploration through data graphs generated from semantic databases in a way leading to expanding the userâs domain knowledge. To be effective, approaches to facilitate exploration of data graphs should take into account the utility from a userâs point of view. Our work focuses on knowledge utility â how useful exploration paths through a data graph are for expanding the userâs knowledge. The main goal of this research is to design an intelligent support mechanism to direct the user to âgoodâ exploration paths through big data graphs for knowledge expansion. We propose a new exploration support mechanism underpinned by the subsumption theory for meaningful learning, which postulates that new knowledge is grasped by starting from familiar concepts in the graph which serve as knowledge anchors from where links to new knowledge are made. A core algorithmic component for adapting the subsumption theory for generating exploration paths is the automatic identification of Knowledge Anchors in a Data Graph (KADG). Several metrics for identifying KADG and the corresponding algorithms for implementation have been developed and evaluated against human cognitive structures. A subsumption algorithm which utilises KADG for generating exploration paths for knowledge expansion is presented and evaluated in the context of a semantic data browser in a musical instrument domain. The resultant exploration paths are evaluated in a controlled user study to examine whether they increase the usersâ knowledge as compared to free exploration. The findings show that exploration paths using knowledge anchors and subsumption lead to significantly higher increase in the usersâ conceptual knowledge. The approach can be adopted in applications providing data graph exploration to facilitate learning and sensemaking of layman users who are not fully familiar with the domain presented in the data graph
Visualisation des rĂ©sultats de recherche classifiĂ©s en contexte de recherche dâinformation exploratoire : une Ă©valuation dâutilisabilitĂ©
La recherche dâinformation exploratoire sur le Web prĂ©sente des dĂ©fis cognitifs en termes de stratĂ©gies cognitives et de tactiques de recherche. Le modĂšle « question-rĂ©ponse » des moteurs de recherche actuels est inadĂ©quat pour faciliter les stratĂ©gies de recherche dâinformation exploratoire, assimilables aux stratĂ©gies cognitives de lâapprentissage. La visualisation des rĂ©sultats de recherche est un dispositif qui possĂšde des propriĂ©tĂ©s graphiques et interactives pertinentes pour le traitement de lâinformation et lâutilisation de la mĂ©moire et, plus largement de la cognition humaine. Plusieurs recherches ont Ă©tĂ© menĂ©es dans ce contexte de recherche dâinformation exploratoire, mais aucune nâa distinctement isolĂ© le facteur graphique et interactif de la « visualisation » au sein de son Ă©valuation.
Lâobjectif principal de cette thĂšse est de vĂ©rifier si la visualisation des rĂ©sultats en contexte de recherche dâinformation exploratoire tĂ©moigne des avantages cognitifs et interactifs pressentis selon ses prĂ©supposĂ©s thĂ©oriques.
Pour dĂ©crire et dĂ©terminer la valeur ajoutĂ©e de la visualisation des rĂ©sultats de recherche dans un contexte de recherche dâinformation exploratoire sur le Web, cette recherche propose de mesurer son utilisabilitĂ©. En la comparant selon les mĂȘmes critĂšres et indicateurs Ă une interface homologue textuelle, nous postulons que lâinterface visuelle atteindra une efficacitĂ©, efficience et satisfaction supĂ©rieure Ă lâinterface textuelle, dans un contexte de recherche dâinformation exploratoire. Les mesures objectives de lâefficacitĂ© et de lâefficience reposent principalement sur lâanalyse des traces de lâinteraction des utilisateurs, leur nombre et leur durĂ©e. Les mesures subjectives attestant de la satisfaction procurĂ©e par lâusage du systĂšme dans ce contexte repose sur la perception des utilisateurs par rapport Ă des critĂšres de perception de la facilitĂ© dâutilisation et de lâutilitĂ© de lâinterface testĂ©e et par rapport Ă des questions plus large sur lâexpĂ©rience de recherche vĂ©cue. Un questionnaire et un entretien ont Ă©tĂ© passĂ©s auprĂšs de chacun des vingt-trois rĂ©pondants. Leur session de recherche a aussi Ă©tĂ© enregistrĂ© par un logiciel de capture vidĂ©o dâĂ©cran.
Sur les donnĂ©es des vingt-trois utilisateurs divisĂ©s en deux groupes, lâanalyse statistique a rĂ©vĂ©lĂ© de faibles diffĂ©rences significatives entre les deux interfaces. Selon les mesures effectuĂ©es, lâinterface textuelle sâest rĂ©vĂ©lĂ©e plus efficace en terme de rappel et de pertinence ; et plus efficiente pour les durĂ©es de la recherche dâinformation. Sur le plan de la satisfaction, les interfaces ont Ă©tĂ© apprĂ©ciĂ©es toutes deux posivitivement, ne permettant pas de les distinguer pour la grande majoritĂ© des mĂ©triques. Par contre, au niveau du comportement interactif, des diffĂ©rences notables ont montrĂ© que les utilisateurs de lâinterface visuelle ont rĂ©alisĂ© davantage dâinteractions de type exploratoire, et ont procĂ©dĂ© Ă une collecte sĂ©lective des rĂ©sultats de recherche.
Lâanalyse statistique et de contenu sur le critĂšre de lâexpĂ©rience vĂ©cue a permis de dĂ©montrer que la visualisation offre lâoccasion Ă lâutilisateur de sâengager davantage dans le processus de recherche dâinformation en raison de lâimpact positif de lâesthĂ©tique de lâinterface visuelle. De plus, la fonctionnalitĂ© de classification a Ă©tĂ© perçue de maniĂšre ambivalente, divisant les candidats peu importe lâinterface testĂ©e. Enfin, lâanalyse des verbatims des « visuelle » a permis dâidentifier le besoin de fonctionnalitĂ©s de rĂ©troaction de lâutilisateur afin de pouvoir communiquer le besoin dâinformation ou sa pondĂ©ration des rĂ©sultats ou des classes, grĂące Ă des modalitĂ©s interactives de manipulation directe des classes sur un espace graphique.Conducting exploratory searches on the web presents a number of cognitive difficulties as regards search strategies and tactics. The âquestion-responseâ model used by the available search engines does not respond adequately to exploratory searches, which are akin to cognitive learning strategies. Visualising search results involves graphic and interactive properties for presenting information that are pertinent for processing and using information, as well as for remembering and, more broadly, for human cognition. Many studies have been conducted in the area of exploratory searches, but none have focussed specifically on the graphic and interactive features of visualisation in their analysis.
The principal objective of this thesis is to confirm whether the visualisation of results in the context of exploratory searches offers the cognitive and interactive advantages predicted by conjectural theory.
In order to describe and to determine the added value of visualising search results in the context of exploratory web searches, the study proposes to measure its usability. By comparing it to a parallel text interface, using the same criteria and indicators, the likelihood of better efficiency, efficacy, and satisfaction when using a visual interface can be established. The objective measures of efficiency and efficacy are based mainly on the analysis of user interactions, including the number of these interactions and the time they take. Subjective measures of satisfaction in using the system in this context are based on user perception regarding ease of use and the usefulness of the interface tested, and on broader questions concerning the experience of using the search interface. These data were obtained using a questionnaire and a discussion with each participant.
Statistical analysis of the data from twenty-three participants divided into two groups showed slightly significant differences between the two interfaces. Analysis of the metrics used showed that the textual interface is more efficient in terms of recall and pertinence, and more efficacious concerning the time needed to search for information. Regarding user satisfaction, both interfaces were seen positively, so that no differences emerged for the great majority of metrics used.
However, as regards interactive behaviour, notable differences emerged. Participants using the visual interface had more exploratory interaction, and went on to select and collect pertinent search results.
Statistical and content analysis of the experience itself showed that visualisation invites the user to become more involved in the search process, because of the positive effect of a pleasing visual interface. In addition, the classification function was perceived as ambivalent, dividing the participants no matter which interface was used. Finally, analysis of the verbatim reports of participants classed as âvisualâ indicated the need for a user feedback mechanism in order to communicate information needs or for weighting results or classes, using the interactive function for manipulating classes within a geographic space