Looking forward to reverse image search: Measuring the effectiveness of reverse image searches in online help

Abstract

When performing an internet search for help content, people use one of several possible methods, but user preferences tend toward basic, text-based search queries using common search engines. However, computing and digital device trends show a preponderance of image and multimedia use among most users. This trend reveals a gap in the information design/technical communication discipline for understanding why users are unaware of alternative search methods, and why information design/technical communication is not investigating ways to develop the alternative image search methodology for help content and systems. Specifically, there is a lack of research on the usability and user preferences of image search for online help content. This research will provide an overview of the reverse image search technology, how we can optimize existing and future content to prepare content for its use, and a discussion about why this technology represents the future of user search experience.