Towards a unified model of HCI and ISB for user interfaces

Abstract

This study aims to identify the steps in which users of academic libraries search for information and interact with the libraries' web interfaces. The study draws on models from the disciplines of human-computer interaction (HCI) and information-seeking behaviour (ISB) to create and investigate a Unified Model. Interpretive case studies were conducted at two universities, one in the UK and one in Kuwait. Qualitative data was collected using observations with postgraduate students and analysed by a content analysis approach. The findings revealed seven steps taken in searching for information and interacting with academic libraries' web interfaces, but these steps are overlapped as users can change, move and go from one step to another based on the difficulties they encounter and the options they have.

Keywords

• Human-computer interaction
• Academic library
• Information-seeking behaviours
• User interface
• Case study
• Interaction design