Search result exploration: a preliminary study of blind and sighted users' decision making and performance

ABSTRACT

We conducted a preliminary study to examine sighted and blind users' decision-making behavior and performance during the search process. We manipulated the search result's relevance to a task, the search result presentation, and the effort required to process the corresponding web page. We found that users leveraged page features to gauge the amount of effort that is required to explore search pages and made exploration decisions accordingly. Users' desire to know additional page details varied based on their visual ability and the results' relevance. We quantified the cost/benefit tradeoff of additional page features and suggest ways to better support diverse Web searchers.

REFERENCES

• 1: O. Drori, Display of Search Results in Google-Based Yahoo! vs. LCC&K Interfaces: A Comparison Study, Proceedings of the Informing Science Conference, 2003.
• 2: Freedom Scientific, Jaws for Windows Overview, 2003.
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.3 Information Search and Retrieval
          Subjects: Search process

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.3 Information Search and Retrieval
          Subjects: Selection process
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
WWW, accessibility, search, usability, user interface, user study, visual ability