The perfect search engine Flashcards
Directed Search
Searching with a clear target, often presumed to benefit most from “perfect” keyword search.
Orienteering
A search strategy involving iterative, small steps using prior and contextual knowledge to narrow down information.
Teleporting
Attempting to directly reach the search target, typically through keyword-based search engines.
Contextual Navigation
Leveraging knowledge about where the information might reside (e.g., specific folders, URLs) to guide the search process.
Meta-Information
Data about the target, such as sender names, dates, or folder locations, aiding orienteering.
Filers vs. Pilers:
Filers: Organize their information systematically and often rely on keyword search.
Pilers: Maintain unstructured information and rely on contextual navigation or site-specific searches.
Sense of location
A feeling of control and spatial awareness during the search, maintained through orienteering.
Cognitive Ease
Orienteering reduces the mental effort needed to specify the search target upfront.
Search context
The surrounding information that provides clues to understand and trust the results.
Search Tool Design
Should integrate stepping behavior and contextual aids.
Must support gradual refinement of queries and meta-information browsing.
