Exploring the context of visual information seeking. Issue 3 (4th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sedghi, Shahram; Shormeij, Zeinab; Tahamtan, Iman
• Is Part Of: Electronic library. Volume 36:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 445
• Page End: 456
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04
• Subjects: Information retrieval -- Context -- User studies -- Human–computer interaction -- Information-seeking behaviours -- Visual information systems; Digital libraries -- Periodicals; Libraries -- Automation -- Periodicals; 025.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/EL-03-2017-0054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-0473

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Information seeking is an interactive behaviour of the end users with information systems, which occurs in a real environment known as context. Context affects information-seeking behaviour in many different ways. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that potentially constitute the context of visual information seeking. Design/methodology/approach: The authors used a Straussian version of grounded theory, a qualitative approach, to conduct the study. Using a purposive sampling method, 28 subjects participated in the study. The data were analysed using open, axial and selective coding in MAXQDA software. Findings: The contextual factors influencing visual information seeking were classified into seven categories, including: "user characteristics", "general search features", "visual search features", "display of results", "accessibility of results", "task type" and "environmental factors". Practical/implications: This study contributes to a better understanding of how people conduct searches in and interact with visual search interfaces. Results have important implications for the designers of information retrieval systems. Originality/value: This paper is among the pioneer studies investigating contextual factors influencing information seeking in visual information retrieval systems.