Information Network Search - Why do humans abandon Wayfinding?
Aju Thalappillil Scaria · 2012
Searching and trying to connect bits of information is a task humans do on a daily basis, whether it be in information networks like cross-referenced dictionaries or citations, or in social networks. In this paper we explore the different traits of human navigation through information networks, the strategies that help them find the information sources that they need and finally try to understand why some of the searches end up abandoned. We believe, finding an answer to this question will help us to organize information networks in a better way and to predict whether someone will quit a search before he/she reaches the target based on the first few steps. This would enable us to attract and retain more users/customers in websites either by providing more intuitive and navigable link structure or by offering assistance to a few people who we think have a higher chance of getting lost.