Determining the functionality and features of an intelligent interface to an information retrieval system

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a method for specifying the functionali ty of an intelligent interface to large-scale information retrieval systems, and for implementing those functions in an operational environment. The method is based on a progressive, three-stage model of intelligent information support; a high- level cognitive task analysis of the information retrieval prob- lem; a low-level specification of the host system functionality; and, derivation of explict relations between the system functions and the cognitive tasks. This method is applied, by example, in the context of the European Space Agency Information Retrieval Service, with some specific suggestions for implementation of a stage one intelligent interface to that system.