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. 2009 Nov 14:2009:354-8.

Persuading consumers to form precise search engine queries

Gondy Leroy  1
Affiliations

Persuading consumers to form precise search engine queries

Gondy Leroy. AMIA Annu Symp Proc. .

Abstract

Today's search engines provide a single textbox for searching. This input method has not changed in decades and, as a result, consumer search behaviour has not changed either: few and imprecise keywords are used. Especially with health information, where incorrect information may lead to unwise decisions, it would be beneficial if consumers could search more precisely. We evaluated a new user interface that supports more precise searching by using query diagrams. In a controlled user study, using paper-based prototypes, we compared searching with a Google interface with drawing new or modifying template diagrams. We evaluated consumer willingness and ability to use diagrams and the impact on query formulation. Users had no trouble understanding the new search method. Moreover, they used more keywords and relationships between keywords with search diagrams. In comparison to drawing their own diagrams, modifying existing templates led to more searches being conducted and higher creativity in searching.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Example Query Diagram
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Example of template use in response to “Do children in childcare centers have a higher rate of asthma?”
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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