A Model for Information Exploration
Abstract
A three-dimensional model of information exploration is presented. By pointing to three distinct dimensions of exploration, we attempt to clarify the respective roles of the human and the system in browsing and information retrieval, and to characterise alternative interaction styles to maximise retrieval effectiveness. We illustrate the applicability of our model of exploration by describing eight paradigmatic cases of information exploration that represent different vertices of the model. We also briefly describe an initial experiment that attempted to assess the pragmatic impact of various combinations of exploration features. We then discuss methods for integrating hypermedia and information retrieval into general information exploration systems and discuss some of the processes that people use in information exploration. We conclude with a plea for the development of hybrid information systems combining exploration features in the most appropriate way according to the task needs of users.
Authors: John A. Waterworth, Mark Chignell
Published in: New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia (1991)