Search tools for Internet2
Abstract
This study is an initiative to develop user-centered Web search tools based on the broadband Internet2 and software agent technology. A conceptual model analyzing the Web search process including Web directory browsing and text-based keyword search is presented from human cognitive aspects and system design. Four new user-centered features were proposed to improve the usability of the Internet2 search tools. They are the graphical Web directory, which presents the hierarchical structure of a Web directory with graphical interface; the attribute-aided search, which helps the users with domain knowledge in defining keywords; the dynamic hint, which provides interactive thesaurus help in keyword formation; and the classification for review, which supports the users' decision making by classifying search results systematically. The software prototype of the search engines and Web browsers were developed using dynamic HTML, ASP, and JavaScript. Three experiments were conducted with 80 subjects to test five hypotheses concerning the validity of the conceptual model and the effectiveness of the four user-centered features. By contrasting the user-centered features with the current Web directory and search engines, the results of the hypotheses testing show that, in searching the Web, graphical Web directory, attribute-aided search, and classification for review significantly improve the users' performance and satisfaction level. Dynamic hints improve the users' satisfaction level, but do not improve the users' performance. The results of the study also suggest guidelines for user interface design on information categorization, decision support, and memory workload for the usability of Web search tools.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Salvendy, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Industrial engineering|Computer science
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