Running head: INFORMATION RETRIEVAL 3 1

Information Retrieval 3

Student name

Institutional affiliation
 INFORMATION RETRIEVAL 3 2

Information Retrieval 3

How can you apply the Four-Phase Framework for Interface Design on the user interface?

The user interface is an integral element of an information retrieval system. The

significance of user interface relates to the ability to connect users to organized information

sources. The fundamental functions of user interfaces are to ease the search of information and

retrieval of results. The four-phased framework can be applied to the Arabian Union Catalog

user interface to design a suitable interface. In the four-phase framework, a set of activities is

used to simplify the complexity of the information searching process. The framework comprises

the formulation, action, review of results, and refinement phases. Thus, these phases can be

applied in designing a user interface for the Arabian Union Catalog by creating a common

structure and terminology to facilitate information searching. At the same time, the framework

can be used to preserve the distinctive features of information collections and search

mechanisms. The formulation phase would be used to select the sources of information and

specify the best way users can search for content that matches the database records. In the action

phase, a search button and feature to indicate the progress of information retrieval would be

created on the user interface. This is to enable users to perform an action and wait for the

completion of the search process. The review of the results phase would be used to incorporate

visual techniques on the user interface to display the retrieved information. The refinement stage

can be applied to the interface to enable users to reformulate search statements.

What modes of access to information provided in the interface? Explain in more detail with

some examples.

The user interface of the Arabic Union Catalog provides two modes for browsing and

searching for information. The search interface is placed on the home page to enable users to
 INFORMATION RETRIEVAL 3 3

locate information in the standard bibliographic database of the Arabic Union Digital Library

and Catalog. A search interface is designed to allow novice users to retrieve information faster.

Based on the Arabic Union Catalog user interface, a search mode is designed to retrieve

information related to the items entered. The browse mode is also incorporated on the website.

This mode is included in the bibliographic search interface. Unlike the search mode, it supports

advanced search to enable users to retrieve information from the entire database collection. The

interface for browse mode is designed to facilitate retrieval of information bases on the title or

other key terms.

If we want to apply some of the basic principles regarding interface design, found in the

reading material, Chapter 12: User Interface, (pp. 277-278), select Five (5) of the basic

principles and discuss them in relation to the interface design.

The principles of design have significantly improved the functionality of web search

interfaces. The interface design of the Arabic Union Catalog applies several principles to

improve user experience with the website. The first principle of design requires search engines to

be simple and intuitive to help people with less experience using them. On the home page of the

Arabic Union Catalog website, the design of the search tool is simplified requiring only search

terms to retrieve information. The retrieval system should provide users with results within the

shortest time possible. This principle focuses on the effectiveness and efficiency of the search

engine to retrieve information if the search items are located. Similarly, the system should

display if there are no related items in the data collection to the search terms. There should be an

indication that a search process is happening if it does not occur fast. This principle helps users

to develop patience when the search process is a bit slower. It is a factor that every search engine

should incorporate to keep users informed of the processes happening. The other principle
 INFORMATION RETRIEVAL 3 4

requires systems to enable users to abandon the search easily at any point. This principle helps

users to stop the search process at their convenience. The overall search experience should

motivate users to come back. This principle concerns the level of user satisfaction provided by

the website. Users should not experience difficulties in using search engines.