STUDENT NO:
INS2602
ASSESSMENT 3
APRIL 26, 2024
STUDENT NO:
, ASSESSMENT 3
INS2601
Exploring Information User Studies
QUESTION 1 [25]
In order to design successful search user interfaces, it is necessary to understand the
human information seeking process, including the strategies people employ when
engaged in search processes (Kuhlthau 1991).
Discuss all stages involved in the information search process in support of designing
a successful search user interface.
The information search process, as developed by Carol Kuhlthau in 1991, consists of
six stages: initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, and presentation.
Understanding each of these stages is crucial for designing a successful search user
interface. Let's discuss each stage in detail:
1. Initiation:
This stage occurs when users become aware of a need for information. They may
experience uncertainty or confusion about their information needs. During this stage,
the search user interface should provide clear and intuitive ways for users to initiate
their search, such as a prominent search bar or recommended topics/categories.
2. Selection:
In this stage, users start to choose the information sources they believe will help fulfill
their needs. The search user interface should offer various options to select from, such
as different search filters, advanced search options, or suggestions for popular or
relevant sources. It should also showcase the credibility and reputation of sources to
boost user confidence in their selection.
3. Exploration:
During this stage, users begin to explore the selected sources to identify relevant
information. The search user interface should enable efficient and effective exploration
by providing well-organized search results, filters, and sorting options. It should also
allow users to preview a portion of the content to quickly assess its relevance.
4. Formulation:
Formulation refers to the process of developing a strategy for gathering specific
information. Users start to refine their search queries and develop a clear
understanding of what they are looking for. The search user interface should provide
advanced search features, such as Boolean operators, phrase searching, or
suggested keywords, to assist users in formulating precise queries and refining their
strategies.
5. Collection:
During this stage, users collect the relevant information from the sources they have
explored. The search user interface should facilitate the collection process by allowing
users to save/bookmark search results, create collections or folders, or export
INS2602
ASSESSMENT 3
APRIL 26, 2024
STUDENT NO:
, ASSESSMENT 3
INS2601
Exploring Information User Studies
QUESTION 1 [25]
In order to design successful search user interfaces, it is necessary to understand the
human information seeking process, including the strategies people employ when
engaged in search processes (Kuhlthau 1991).
Discuss all stages involved in the information search process in support of designing
a successful search user interface.
The information search process, as developed by Carol Kuhlthau in 1991, consists of
six stages: initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, and presentation.
Understanding each of these stages is crucial for designing a successful search user
interface. Let's discuss each stage in detail:
1. Initiation:
This stage occurs when users become aware of a need for information. They may
experience uncertainty or confusion about their information needs. During this stage,
the search user interface should provide clear and intuitive ways for users to initiate
their search, such as a prominent search bar or recommended topics/categories.
2. Selection:
In this stage, users start to choose the information sources they believe will help fulfill
their needs. The search user interface should offer various options to select from, such
as different search filters, advanced search options, or suggestions for popular or
relevant sources. It should also showcase the credibility and reputation of sources to
boost user confidence in their selection.
3. Exploration:
During this stage, users begin to explore the selected sources to identify relevant
information. The search user interface should enable efficient and effective exploration
by providing well-organized search results, filters, and sorting options. It should also
allow users to preview a portion of the content to quickly assess its relevance.
4. Formulation:
Formulation refers to the process of developing a strategy for gathering specific
information. Users start to refine their search queries and develop a clear
understanding of what they are looking for. The search user interface should provide
advanced search features, such as Boolean operators, phrase searching, or
suggested keywords, to assist users in formulating precise queries and refining their
strategies.
5. Collection:
During this stage, users collect the relevant information from the sources they have
explored. The search user interface should facilitate the collection process by allowing
users to save/bookmark search results, create collections or folders, or export
