An informal information‐seeking environment
David G. Hendry, David J. Harper · Journal of the American Society for Information Science · 1997
When an opportunistic searcher encounters an over-determined information system, less than ideal search strategies often ensue. The mismatch can be addressed by reducing the determinacy of the system, thereby making it more amenable to informal problem-solving practices. This claim is investigated by designing an information-seeking environment, where search techniques are represented with a data-flow notation and where the searcher has control of layout; thus, to seek information, is to manage space. Search plans can be represented on the display, and perceptual cues about search progress are captured while searching. With elements of search activity visible, opportunistic problem-solving should be well supported. The interface is designed to be extensible so a wide range of search techniques can be represented, and emphasizes search material, such as queries, results, and notes, rather than system controls. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.