The Effect of Human Behavior on the Design of an Information Retrieval System Interface

Abstract

While current research trends concern such human factors as physical and intellectual compatibility with an information system, little research exists that focuses on human behavior in the information seeking process. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the behavioral factors that influence the design effectiveness of an information retrieval system and to apply some principles of human behavior to the design of the user interface.

The effects of semantic and syntactic instruction on user performance and satisfaction in search user interface design

“…The functions of retrieval systems are becoming more complex and the resources available within those systems are increasingly rich and varied. One of the ongoing concerns of systems designers has been to create systems with increasingly multifaceted functions that are still user-friendly and easily accessible to users, whether those users are experienced with retrieval tools or novices seeking information (Jin and Fine, 1996). As the number of functions in an information retrieval system increases, it becomes more important to design the interface to be compatible with what the user needs at the time it is needed to insure the user's satisfaction with the system, even while appreciating its complexity (Jin and Fine, 1996).…”

“…One of the ongoing concerns of systems designers has been to create systems with increasingly multifaceted functions that are still user-friendly and easily accessible to users, whether those users are experienced with retrieval tools or novices seeking information (Jin and Fine, 1996). As the number of functions in an information retrieval system increases, it becomes more important to design the interface to be compatible with what the user needs at the time it is needed to insure the user's satisfaction with the system, even while appreciating its complexity (Jin and Fine, 1996). Within the retrieval process, the user interface is the communication bridge that links the user with the information retrieval system, and the effectiveness of the interface plays a crucial role in the success of the interaction (Jin and Fine, 1996).…”

“…As the number of functions in an information retrieval system increases, it becomes more important to design the interface to be compatible with what the user needs at the time it is needed to insure the user's satisfaction with the system, even while appreciating its complexity (Jin and Fine, 1996). Within the retrieval process, the user interface is the communication bridge that links the user with the information retrieval system, and the effectiveness of the interface plays a crucial role in the success of the interaction (Jin and Fine, 1996).…”

“…For many search users, the tradeoff between convenience and the value of the information found is resolved in favor of convenience. This principle is basic in human information seeking behavior and must therefore be central to the design of the search interface (Jin and Fine, 1996). The key to an effective search system is that it provides a convenient and simple interface while returning relevant and sufficient information (Jin and Fine, 1996).…”

The Effects of Semantic and Syntactic Instruction on User Performance and Satisfaction in Search User Interface Design

“…Users expect that system instructions will be clear, precise and simple (Jin and Fine, 1996). Interfaces should be designed to guide users by providing suggestions and setting expectations (Hagan et al, 2000).…”