User Interfaces of IRs (Visualization)

Interface Design
Digital Libraries: Principles and Piractices in a Global Environment. Ed. Lucy A. Tedd and Andrew Large. Munich: K. G. Saur, 2005. p[129]-161


This article highlights the importance of the user interface as a means for the user to interact with the information that is stored in the digital library. Galitz defined the user interface as "...a part of a computer and its software that people can see, hear, touch, talk to, or otherwise understand or direct." Interface design is concerned with two components, first, the input component that oversees that the user is able to "communicate needs or desires to the computer?, and second, the output component that shows how the "computer conveys results of its computation to the user."


The interface design is important for it is the determining factor for whether a visit to the digital library is considered a success or failure. The factors include (1) the information retrieved and (2) the user experience. Dilton formulates 5 questions that he thinks designers should consider in creating a digital library interface.


1. How do we attract users to our resources, and make them stay?
2. What will bring a user back to our resources again?
3. How do i build an interface that supports a richer comprehension or appreciation of the contents?
4. What makes material more learnable by users?
5. Can novices learn from viewing an expert's construction of an information space?


In Summary, Galitz emphasizes that in the end, "the best interface is one that is not noticed," rather an interface that allows users to find what they are seeking for "quickly, accurately and with the least effort."

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Reading this article made me realize my unconscious behavior towards using the user interfaces of Information retrieval systems. I have realized that sometimes I'm biased with just the looking at its outward appearance. Questions like, "Where do i type in my query?" and "Will it lead me to the right information?" always pops to mind. 

The article gives a good insight as to how user interfaces affects the behavior of users as they search for the information they need. I learned that different users have diverse methods of searching and this is because they are influenced by their own understanding and use of language and even of cultural background. I also learned that though aesthetically a user interface must be appealing to the eyes, the utmost importance must be given to users and as to how they can efficiently seek information and achieve satisfactory results.

As an Information Specialist, I believe it is important to know, recognize and even learn how to evaluate a good user interface. Seeking behavioral patters and learning about Human-computer interaction can be an advantage as well. Being in the profession of information management, I do feel that it is important to understand the whole concept of Information Retrieval--not just the theories. We learn it not so we can boast about it, but because we want to understand the technology and how to better reach a good number of audiences and be able to provide valuable information.