Design and Evaluation of Categorical Search Results Interfaces

Abstract

This research investigates the design and evaluation of interfaces for the presentation of search results using categorization. Card sorting study was conducted to design categorized search results interfaces. Eye-tracking technology was utilized to evaluate the designed category interfaces, comparing them with a conventional list interface. Two factors of category interfaces, the approach used to order categories and the number of abstracts initially displayed within each category, are investigated. Forty participants performed two types of tasks, navigation and information search, using a PC integrated with a non-intrusive Tobii 1750 binocular eye tracking system. Performance measures such as time for search and percentage of tasks completed did not reveal significant differences among the category and list interfaces. Process measures such as overall number of fixations, mean fixation durations, and relative change from the baseline pupil diameter also did not show significant differences among the category and list interfaces. Although no significant differences are found, there is a consistent positive trend in the performance, process, and subjective measures that supports design of categorical search results interfaces.