Wendy T. Lucas

Form and function: The impact of query term and operator usage on Web search results

Conventional wisdom holds that queries to information retrieval systems will yield more relevant results if they contain multiple topic-related terms and use Boolean and phrase operators to enhance interpretation. Although studies have shown that the users of Web-based search engines typically enter short, term-based queries and rarely use search operators, little information exists concerning the effects of term and operator usage on the relevancy of search results. In this study, search engine users formulated queries on eight search topics. Each query was submitted to the user-specified search engine, and relevancy ratings for the retrieved pages were assigned. Expert-formulated queries were also submitted and provided a basis for comparing relevancy ratings across search engines. Data analysis based on our research model of the term and operator factors affecting relevancy was then conducted. The results show that the difference in the number of terms between expert and nonexpert searches, the percentage of matching terms between those searches, and the erroneous use of nonsupported operators in nonexpert searches explain most of the variation in the relevancy of search results. These findings highlight the need for designing search engine interfaces that provide greater support in the areas of term selection and operator usage.

A visual approach to multimedia querying and presentation

Multimedia data has become readily available from a variety of resources, such as the Web, to users (ranging from naive to sophisticated) who need to select and to present the data in a way that is meaningful to their particular applications. Delaunay”” is our framework for querying and presenting multimedia data stored in distributed data repositories, including the Web. It is unique in combining user-defined layouts with ad hoc querying capabilities, thereby enabling users to tailor, in a simple way, the layout of virtual documents composed of retrieved mdimedia objects. In this paper, we focus on the object-oriented data models, on the declarative query languages, and on how the results of the queries to disparate resources are integrated to form coherent user-defined documents.

Using informal notes for sharing corporate technology know-how

Corporate and academic communities have focused a great deal of attention on formalized approaches for creating, capturing, and propagating knowledge. Far less attention has been paid to the informal mechanisms that individuals share and employ to help them navigate complex processes in order to ‘get things done.’ In this paper, we examine the creation, use, and content of informal documents for supporting users of an enterprise resource planning system in a Fortune 500 company. We contend that such notes, which are commonly used for supporting information systems-related work, are an overlooked source of knowledgeability about organizational practices. This study is a first but necessary step in analyzing the types of information that can be derived from informal notes so that organizations can more fully utilize this largely untapped resource.

Searching the web: operator assistance required

This study examines the effects of the search interface and Boolean logic training on user search performance and satisfaction. We compared the use of an assisted search tool to that of a simple search interface like those typically found at commercial search engine sites. We found that the assisted search tool had a significant, positive effect on performance, satisfaction, and confidence. Promoting the use of advanced search features is therefore in the best interest of both Web search providers and users. In the absence of an assisted interface, a simple interface coupled with Boolean logic training was also an effective means for improving user performance. Given that most searchers choose to use the simple search box, it is important to provide them with applicable training to promote the effective use of the search tool. Interestingly, coupling the assisted interface with Boolean training was no more effective than either treatment alone.

Delaunay: a database visualization system

Visual query systems have traditionally supported a set of pre-defined visual displays. We describe the Delaunay system, which supports visualizations of object-oriented databases specified by the user with a visual constraint-based query language. The highlights of our approach are the expressiveness of the visual query language, the efficiency of the query engine, and the overall flexibility and extensibility of the framework. The user interface is implemented using Java and is available on the WWW.

Usability through system-user collaboration: design principles for greater erp usability

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become essential in industry, yet the potential value created through system use can be illusive due to poor usability Extensive interviews with users revealed that the underlying complexity of these systems manifests itself in unintuitive interfaces that are challenging to use Given the lack of progress made with traditional design approaches, we propose a different tactic based on a system-user collaborative approach This entails that the system acts as a collaborative partner by sharing knowledge, providing task-specific support, and adapting to user behaviors Based on this collaborative view, we derive a set of principles for guiding the design of ERP systems and provide concrete examples demonstrating (1) how a lack of collaborativeness contributes to various usability problems, and (2) how our proposed design principles can be used to enhance the collaborativeness and, hence, the usability of ERP systems.

Training for Web search: Will it get you in shape?

Given that time is money, Web searching can be a very expensive proposition. Even with the best search technology, the usefulness of search results depends on the searchers ability to use that technology effectively. In an effort to improve this ability, our research investigates the effects of logic training, interface training, and the type of search interface on the search process. In a study with 145 participants, we found that even limited training in basic Boolean logic improved performance with a simple search interface. Surprisingly, for users of an interface that assisted them in forming syntactically correct Boolean queries, performance was negatively affected by logic training and unaffected by interface training. Use of the assisted interface itself, however, resulted in strong improvements in performance over use of the simple interface. In addition to being useful for search engine providers, these findings are important for all companies that rely heavily on search for critical aspects of their operations, in that they demonstrate simple means by which the search experience can be improved for their employees and customers.

A Collaboration Model for ERP User-System Interaction

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have received well-deserved attention from both the industry and the research communities, yet the usability of these systems remains a challenge. This paper proposes a model of the usability of ERP systems based on collaboration theory. In this model, Commitment to Joint Activity (CJA), Mutual Responsiveness (MR), and Commitment to Mutual Support (CMS) are properties of Shared Cooperative Activity between the user and the ERP system. The strength of this collaboration (conceptualized as the interaction of the individual properties: CJA, MR, and CMS) impacts the systems usability. The proposed constructs are illustrated with data from a field-based case study. Our findings provide initial support for our model of human-computer collaboration in ERP systems.

Implementing design principles for collaborative ERP systems

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems are notoriously difficult for users to operate. We present a framework that consists of a data model and algorithms that serve as a foundation for implementing design principles presented in an earlier paper for improving ERP usability. The framework addresses the need for providing user, task and process context of each system-user interaction. It is intended to form an integral part of the systems data model, which can be queried in real time to produce the information required for a variety of user interface enhancements. We have implemented the framework within an ERP prototype and used it in a laboratory emulation of ERP usage. Using the log data from this laboratory emulation, we present examples demonstrating how the framework meets its design goal of providing contextual and historical information.

Improving ERP Usability Through User-System Collaboration

Anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have unintuitive user interfaces that hinder usability, frustrate users, and ultimately interfere with their successful adoption and utilization in organizations. Despite the huge costs associated with poorly implemented systems, ERP usability has received little attention from the IS and HCI research communities. We argue in this article that existing theories on usability should be extended in order to address the unique challenges resulting from the size, complexity, and integrated functionality of these industrial behemoths. We believe that collaboration theory is a new and beneficial way to conceptualize the relationship between the user and the system. This theory has the potential to provide a foundation for user-system interaction that enhances user performance and satisfaction with ERP systems.