Search history tools for user support in information retrieval systems: Evaluation results from an iterative, user‐centered process

Abstract

This poster describes the results of usability evaluation of a novel search history tool and a set of iteratively developed user interface design guidelines for search histories that support execution of complex tasks by information seekers. Search histories have a great potential in search support. To support the information seekers' needs, an integrated search history tool was developed based on the results of an extensive user study of attorneys and law librarians' memory use in searching and is described in the poster. This tool has been iteratively refined through a cooperative design process and two cycles of usability evaluations in legal and medical domains. An integrated and interactive search history display is proposed with user annotations and marking. The history displays details of search steps and can be selectively edited by users. An additional notepad area affords flexible results collection and early integration via user annotations and notes. The evaluation of the search history tool shows great promise in providing improved search history support for information seekers for complex tasks. The results of the evaluation validated the user interface design guidelines for search histories and will be described in this poster. It is hoped that these results will enable the designers of IR systems to better integrate historical information into their systems and provide improved support for users.