CoLiDeS+ Pic: a cognitive model of web-navigation based on semantic information from pictures

Abstract

Comprehension-based linked model of deliberate search (CoLiDeS) þ Pic is a cognitive model of web-navigation that takes into account the semantic information from graphical elements present on a web-page to compute the information scent value of the hyperlinks. The model is based on CoLiDeS, which has a two-phase processing cycle: (a) attention phase, which first parses the web-page and focuses attention on the region of the web-page that is semantically most similar to the goal, and (b) action-selection phase, which evaluates the available actions in the focused region and selects a particular action such as clicking a link. The graphical elements are important both for attracting attention to a region of the web-page and for communicating semantic meaning that may alter or enhance the meaning of the hyperlink labels. In the first part of this article, we give a theoretical explanation of the CoLiDeS þ Pic model and describe the methodology followed to implement it. In the second part, we run a simulation on a mock-up website and evaluate the effect of pictures on information scent of hyperlinks by means of the CoLiDeS þ Pic model on basis of the simulation results. It was found that CoLiDeS þ Pic with highly relevant pictures increases the values of information scent of task-relevant hyperlinks, and therefore it increases the probability of selecting those hyperlinks compared to CoLiDeS (without pictures) or CoLiDeS þ Pic with lowly relevant pictures. These results confirm the importance of including information from pictures into the modelling of web-navigation.

Modeling and predicting information search behavior

“…The model has also been successfully applied in finding usability problems, by predicting links that would be unclear to users [2,3]. Two extensions were made to the original CoLiDeS later by using information from already clicked hyperlinks to predict and model backtracking behavior [19] and by using semantic information from pictures to improve the accuracy of predictions [33,20]. All three models CoLiDeS, CoLiDeS+ and CoLiDeS + Pic are focused only on navigation within a website and do not account for interactions with a search engine.…”

Modeling and Supporting Web-Navigation

“…The model is derived from two models CoLiDeS+ and CoLiDeS + Pic, taking into consideration the advantages of both [15,19]. Based on this model we also introduced and tested a support tool for navigation.…”

“…In this task participants (non-expert users: university students) generate semantic features based on their judgment of the picture (in context) and then the features are selected, which are common between participants. For a detailed description of the procedure for obtaining the semantic information from pictures, as embedded in CoLiDeS + Pic modeling, we ask the readers to check [14,15]. We will describe briefly previous work focused on getting empirical support in different ways for the CoLiDeS + Pic model, because this work will be the basis for the next model and the following empirical study and comparison of models.…”

Navigating in a virtual environment with model-generated support

“…Van Oostendorp and Juvina [13] and Van Oostendorp, Karanam and Indurkhya [22] performed simulations of user navigation behavior with extended versions of the CoLiDeS model [see also 23]. The navigation support they offered was based on simulations of successful paths, that is, the links chosen by the model and leading to the requested information were subsequently emphasized to the user.…”