Using temporal patterns of interactions to design effective automated searching assistance
We b search engines effectively support searching of short queries, with session durations of typically 15 minutes , while providing limited searching assistance to the user. However, Web search engines are less effective in the more complex searching situations in which users lack the domain knowledge or contextual awareness to use the system effectively. User uncertainty about the information needs, the content space, or the system's capabilities typify these types of searches. The interactions among searcher, system, and content are more multifaceted. Current research indicates that approximately 15% of user sessions on the Web are more complex searching episodes [3]. Assistance from the search engine can improve the searching experience for the user. There has been considerable work on developing contextual help and recommender systems to aid searchers. However, prior work has noted that searchers seldom utilize this support , resulting in ineffective or inefficient searches. Issues hindering the use of these automated assistance systems may result from a lack of understanding, on the part of the system , about the information task, and when users desire assistance. The negative aspects of task interruption for searchers may negate whatever benefits the assistance provides. Prior research indicates there are typical patterns of interactions between searchers and systems [4]. It would seem reasonable to leverage these patterns to provide searching assistance to aid the user, with the goal of improving the outcome of the search process. However, beyond simple assistance (for example , spelling corrections for query terms), the results have been mixed [1]. Certainly, the cognitive load of information seeking in these contextual situations is high. The interjection of assistance into the search process may be too much of a cognitive load, requiring a task switch from focusing on the search process to mentally processing the assistance. Therefore, searchers ignore or improperly implement the assistance. Some researchers are investigating an approach that is more synergistic with the search process. Assistance is offered when the searcher is most receptive to it. This is in contrast to system intervention at every step in the search process or when the system deems there is a need for assistance. Assistance synchronized with the user's searching process helps reduces the cognitive effort required for task