Using mobile preference-based searching to improve tourism decision support

ABSTRACT

Powerful mobile computing devices such as smartphones and PDAs are becoming more numerous and affordable. These mobile devices are ideal for tourists needing to search for suitable points-of-interest (POIs) such as restaurants or accommodation. This paper discusses the development of a new preference-based searching algorithm and its implementation in a mobile preference-based searching tool (PBST), called POInter. This algorithm calculates a percentage ranking reflecting the extent to which a POI matches the user's preferences, enabling partially-satisfied search results to be displayed. POInter enables users to identify POIs most suited to their needs and constraints and visualise the search results using a map-based metaphor. POInter combines positive features from existing systems, whilst addressing their limitations and introducing additional functionality. Results of evaluations conducted are outlined, revealing the extent to which POInter provides an effective PBST for mobile tourism decision support.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Evaluation/methodology

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Graphical user interfaces (GUI); Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation); Input devices and strategies (e.g., mouse, touchscreen)

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Experimentation, Measurement, Performance

Keywords:
mobile tourism decision support, point-of-interest (POI) visualisation, preference-based search tool (PBST), preference-based searching