A comparative analysis of the information-seeking behavior of visually impaired and sighted searchers

摘要: Understanding search behavior is important and leads to more effective interfaces that support searchers throughout the process. In this article, through an observational user study, we investigate of 15 visually impaired sighted while they complete complex tasks online. We study because are challenging, cognitively intensive affect performance searchers. compare two groups at four stages information-seeking process namely, Query Formulation, Search Results Exploration, Reformulation, Management. For each stage, identify research questions impact speech-based screen readers on users. Significant differences were observed during query formulation in use query-level features such as suggestions spelling suggestions. addition, screen-reader users submitted a lower number queries displayed comparatively limited exploratory results exploration. how lack visual cues affected searchers' approach towards reformulation different strategies manage information encountered discuss implications our findings have for design propose set guidelines consider when designing usable accessible with readers. This work also enhances understanding using auditory interface could be useful audio-based retrieval systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.