Modeling information seeking in a corporate environment

Abstract

Designing effective electronic information systems to support search and retrieval in real world applications is a complex and challenging endeavour. Advances in computer technology must be integrated with a comprehensive understanding of the information seeking and synthesis behaviour in the context of information use. The focus of this research is on developing an understanding of user categories, background, their information seeking goals, electronic information systems they use, and strategies they bring into play during the information search process in a corporate environment. Our research methodology integrates field studies, cognitive modeling and analysis, computational model implementation, and design application. The article describes the field study and the results of the cognitive modeling phase of our ongoing research on human centered systems design.