Visualization as a research and design approach for library and information science. Exploring seniors' use of a visual search interface.

Abstract

The article presents an overview of a study which investigated how visualization theory could inform interface design and research practices in library and information science (LIS). The study seeks to design a prototype interface using visual similarity clustering principles and information behaviour and usability theories, as well as compare the usefulness of this prototype to existing text-based search tools. It also seeks to design and test an interface that would address the information and searching needs of a particular population.