Graphical interface design for children seeking information in a digital library

Ko-Chiu Wu,Cheng-Yu Tsai,Yun-Meng Tang

doi:10.1186/2213-7459-2-5

Ko-Chiu Wu, Cheng-Yu Tsai + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/2213-7459-2-5

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Abstract

Abstract Background Children are very curious. They like to play games but lack reading fluency. Conventional interfaces for information-seeking in digital libraries are unsuitable for children because they are rigid, text-based, and task-oriented. Thus, this study developed a customized interface for a digital library. To facilitate children in online searches, the design concepts included user-friendly target icons, icon recognition, and way-finding in a two-dimensional visualized environment. Methods In this study, the criteria used to develop visualization tools that children can use for information retrieval were based on theories of human perception related to graphical interfaces for information visualization systems, including iconic representations and information density on visualized displays. Databases widely used by children in the National Library of Public Information were linked to the suggested database frame. The database frame was classified into five major subject categories: Natural Sciences, Fine Arts and Music, Health and Athletics, History and Culture, and Treasure of Knowledge. The web interface was designed according to way-finding concepts and map-structure hierarchies. Information searches in the main frame, sub-frames, and linked database were designed to be simple and intuitive for use by children. Results Information search efficiency was measured in 104 children assigned to search the virtual environment for icons (databases) that adequately supported their studies. Statistical analyses showed that, compared to the text-lined interface, the graphical interface improved the success and speed of searches by children. Conclusions Incorporating theories of spatial memory and representative icons in designs for visualized retrieval systems helps children to recognize different categories of knowledge content and improves their efficiency in information retrieval. To improve database search efficiency in children, information recommendation issues require further study. However, further research is also needed to identify factors that affect patterns of information-seeking behavior in children.

Highlights

Interface prototype development This study developed a set of guidelines for using an iconsearching interface and a spatial-linked structure for Online Databases used in the NLPI for Children
Based on guidelines 1 and 2, this study developed an extended visualized environment with icons representing different databases to enable children to search for information without getting lost in multiple hyperlink hierarchies
Since the assessment results in this study need to be consistent with the usability requirements, this work applied the Usability Testing method of user-oriented evaluation to investigate how children use the designed graphical interface and the original text-based interface

Summary

Introduction

Conventional interfaces for information-seeking in digital libraries are unsuitable for children because they are rigid, text-based, and task-oriented. To facilitate children in online searches, the design concepts included user-friendly target icons, icon recognition, and way-finding in a two-dimensional visualized environment. Information-seeking behaviors substantially differ between children and adults. Many studies agree that, compared to adults, children have limited information seeking capability and require an improved web interface to help them overcome the information searching barrier. Kulper et al (1997) found that most children aged 8–11 years cannot perform a search by author name. Kulper et al (1997) concluded that, in databases designed for children, the icons used in the interface should have simple and clear meanings and should be used as a benchmark for orientating children in further searching. Children tend to stop searching after a few hits. Kulper et al (1997) concluded that, in databases designed for children, the icons used in the interface should have simple and clear meanings and should be used as a benchmark for orientating children in further searching. Kulper et al (1997) further used SoftWare Technique for Evolutionary Participatory System development (STEP) to develop “BUCHERSCHATZ” (book treasure) and an OPAC prototype with a graphical user interface (GUI)

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Conclusion