Search vs Explore

Question 1

What is exploratory search?

Answer 1

This is finding information with emphasis on lookup efforts, learning and investigation.

Question 2

What is focused search?

Answer 2

(eg using google)
This generally uses keywords
Looks at small range within search result, search in similar pattern and extract information in limited set of results

Question 3

What is the focus of your search in a focused search?

Answer 3

Your keyword

Question 4

What are some differences between focused and exploratory search?

Answer 4

Focused search has a specific target and we will look closely around this target to find it. Exploratory doesn’t have a specific target so the information and result range is much larger.

Question 5

What factors usually cause someone to explore?

Answer 5

Solve unfamiliar tasks or problems
Task goal is unknown or unfamiliar
Purchase services or products based on experience (eg. buying a gift for a parent if you have one but don’t know what to get)

Question 6

Can exploring ever lead to searching?

Answer 6

Yes. We may not know what we are looking for but find it after some exploratory searching, meaning we entered focused.

Question 7

Explain the relationship between uncertainty and exploration

Answer 7

If you are uncertain of what you are looking for, you are more likely to explore as you do not have a direct target.

Question 8

How can we support exploratory search within our own web app?

Answer 8

Hyperlinks
Text heavy page
Multi faceted search - gives options
QBE (query by example) - related 
Knowledge graph - box on side of google

Question 9

What types of information seeking behaviours are there?

Answer 9

Quick fact seeking
All around skimming
Knowledge digging
Focused reading