Footprints: history-rich tools for information foraging

ABSTRACT

Inspired by Hill and Hollans original work [7], we have been developing a theory of interaction history and building tools to apply this theory to navigation in a complex information space. We have built a series of tools - map, paths, annota- tions and signposts - based on a physical-world navigation metaphor. These tools have been in use for over a year. Our user study involved a controlled browse task and showed that users were able to get the same amount of work done with significantly less effort.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.4 Hypertext/Hypermedia
          Subjects: Navigation

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Human Factors, Theory

Keywords:
Web browsing, information foraging, information navigation, interaction history