Search Process and Interfaces

Abstract

Abstract Traditional information retrieval is based on a simple paradigm: driven by an information need, users seek information by composing a query, using a search system; the system, in turn, associates relevant documents to the query and returns them to the users. However, search is more a means than an end, and the needs behind an information seeking process are typically diverse and articulated. Thus, interaction with search systems typically involves several steps of refinement and exploration. Visual interfaces are designed to effectively support this iterative process, help users to understand and express their information needs, and collect the results when the process ends. This chapter provides insight into the main theoretical models used to describe the information seeking process, and offers an overview of the user interface components used by modern search engines. Keywords Search Engine Information Seek Search User Interface Exploratory Search Facet Search