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Information search by applying VDL-based iconic tags: an experimental study

Information search by applying VDL-based iconic tags: an experimental study

Authors :
Siya Zhang
Jean-Pierre Cahier
Nada Matta
Keqin Wang
Chunxiu Qin
Pengzhen Xue
Xiaoyue Ma
Xidian University
TECHnologies pour la Coopération, l’Interaction et les COnnaissances dans les collectifs (Tech-CICO)
Institut Charles Delaunay (ICD)
Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
Northwestern Polytechnical University [Xi'an] (NPU)
Source :
Journal of Documentation, Journal of Documentation, Emerald, 2019, 75 (4), pp.807-822. ⟨10.1108/JD-08-2018-0127⟩, Journal of Documentation, 2019, 75 (4), pp.807-822. ⟨10.1108/JD-08-2018-0127⟩
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
Emerald, 2019.

Abstract

Purpose Visual Distinctive Language (VDL)-based iconic tags are structured visual information annotation. They explicate the content and organization of tagged information by graphical and symbolic features in order to improve the vocabulary problems of textual tags. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how these special icons help in tagged-based user information searching. Design/methodology/approach A two-stage experiment was designed and conducted so as to follow and quantify the searching process in specific searching target case and no specific searching target case when using VDL-based iconic tags. Findings The experimental results manifested that VDL-based iconic tags enhanced the role of tag in information searching. They could make user better understand tag clusters, which, in turn, provide global structure of involved topics. Also, VDL-based iconic tags helped user to find out searching target more quickly with higher accuracy by taking advantages of visual representation of tag categories and symbolic signification of tag content. Originality/value This study is one of the first to verify how structured icons work in information searching and how user’s graphical cognition impacts on tag-based information searching process. The research findings are dedicated to the theory of VDL-based iconic tags, as well as to a new visualization method for search user interface design.

Details

ISSN :
00220418
Volume :
75
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Journal of Documentation
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....f3859394ea125028fc9a15c7841dd853
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1108/jd-08-2018-0127