The process of organizing personal information

Abstract

This paper presents preliminary results from an ongoing research study, which explores the process of organizing personal information from a cognitive sociological perspective. To collect data, a short background questionnaire, a diary study, and two post-diary semi-structured interviews were conducted, for each of the participants. The initial analysis of the results showed that there are five stages in the process of personal information organization. Each stage involved different actions, thoughts, decisions, and factors. The findings from this study will deepen our understanding about information organizing behavior and will contribute to the development and design of various personal information devices and applications that support individuals' organizing their information.