Developing Models for Synchronizing the Interaction among Users, Systems and Content in Complex Information Spaces

Abstract

Abstract : The objective of this research project is to advance data gathering, information assimilation, and knowledge sharing within complex information spaces by developing models of interactions between (1) searcher/user and system, (2) searcher/user and information, and (3) system and information. The end results will be robust models of human-system-information interactions within complex information contexts from which one can design interfaces, storage structures, retrieval mechanisms, and collaborative sharing workspaces for information and knowledge systems. In these complex situations and information spaces, the interactions among searcher, system, and content are more multifaceted. Drawing on general systems theory to understand the interactions among these three components, one could leverage their explicit and implicit exchanges to change the nature of how users view the information space and need. With a vision of the system consisting of interactions, the nature of information gathering changes from a query - results - re-query model to a multi-faceted paradigm where all components of the system are actively engaged in gathenng information, verifying sources, ensuring trust sharing information, and anticipating information needs.