Hci Chap 6
Hci Chap 6
Hci Chap 6
1. Introduction
Information search in HCI refers to how users locate, retrieve, and interact with information from
various sources such as text, databases, or multimedia. The goal is to design systems that make
searching intuitive, efficient, and effective.
Importance in HCI:
o Enables users to quickly find relevant information.
o Impacts user satisfaction, productivity, and decision-making.
Textual Documents:
o Involves searching for information within unstructured text, such as web pages,
articles, or reports.
o Tools like keyword searches or advanced Boolean queries help users locate
specific data.
Database Querying:
o Focuses on structured data stored in relational or non-relational databases.
o Requires users to formulate queries using tools like SQL or query builders.
HCI Design Considerations:
o Search Bar Placement: Easily accessible and visible.
o Auto-Completion: Suggest keywords as users type.
o Filters: Allow narrowing down results by date, relevance, or category.
o Feedback: Show progress or results quickly to reduce waiting times.
Examples:
o Google’s search engine for textual documents.
o SQL-based querying tools for databases.
Searching multimedia involves finding images, videos, audio, or other non-text content.
Advanced filtering and search tools improve the precision and usability of search systems.
Features:
o Faceted Search: Allows users to refine results by multiple criteria (e.g.,
Amazon’s product filters).
o Advanced Search Options: Boolean operators, exact phrase matching, and
exclusion terms.
o Natural Language Search: Users input queries conversationally (e.g., "Find
hotels near me").
o Visual Search Tools: Drag-and-drop or graphical interfaces for complex
searches.
HCI Design Considerations:
o Ensure filters are intuitive and easily customizable.
o Provide real-time updates as users adjust search parameters.
o Offer explanatory feedback for no-results queries.
Information Visualization
1. Introduction
Information visualization transforms abstract data into graphical or interactive forms to enhance
understanding and decision-making.
Importance in HCI:
o Reduces cognitive load by presenting complex data visually.
o Supports pattern recognition, comparisons, and trend analysis.
Common Visualizations:
o Charts (bar, line, pie).
o Graphs (network or hierarchy).
o Maps (geospatial data).
o Dashboards for real-time data.
Data Types:
o 1D Data: Linear sequences like lists or timelines.
o 2D Data: Geospatial data, such as maps.
o 3D Data: Volumetric data like CT scans or 3D models.
o Multidimensional Data: Data with multiple attributes (e.g., scatter plots for two
variables).
o Tree Structures: Hierarchies like file systems or organizational charts.
o Network Graphs: Relationships between nodes, such as social networks.
Tasks:
o Overview: Understand the big picture of the data.
o Zoom and Filter: Focus on specific areas or details.
o Details on Demand: Retrieve detailed information when needed.
o Relate: Compare or find relationships between data points.
o History: Track changes over time.
o Extraction: Summarize key insights.
Complexity of Data:
o Handling large datasets without overwhelming users.
o Maintaining clarity while representing multiple dimensions.
User Understanding:
o Ensuring visualizations are intuitive for non-expert users.
o Providing clear legends, labels, and instructions.
Interactivity:
o Balancing responsiveness with computational efficiency for dynamic
visualizations.
o Offering tools for users to manipulate data interactively (e.g., dragging, zooming).
Accessibility:
o Ensuring visualizations are color-blind friendly and support assistive
technologies.
o Providing alternative formats for users with disabilities.
Examples:
o Interactive dashboards like Tableau or Power BI for business intelligence.
o Data visualizations in journalism (e.g., election results maps).