Short answer
Design systems that support users through the entire information journey, from initial search to final information management, by integrating functionalities for accessing, verifying, and organizing information.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (2003)
- Method
- Qualitative research combining electronic mail interviews and face-to-face interviews.
- Sample
- 65 participants (60 via email, 5 face-to-face)
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Social scientists' information-seeking behavior can be effectively modeled through four distinct, interrelated stages: searching, accessing, processing, and ending, which expands upon existing frameworks. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2003 study published in Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology. Using Qualitative research combining electronic mail interviews and face-to-face interviews. with 65 participants (60 via email, 5 face-to-face), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design systems that support users through the entire information journey, from initial search to final information management, by integrating functionalities for accessing, verifying, and organizing information.
Information Management Stages: A Refined Model for Social Science Research
Social scientists' information-seeking behavior can be effectively modeled through four distinct, interrelated stages: searching, accessing, processing, and ending, which expands upon existing frameworks.
Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology · 2003
Key Findings
- 01Ellis's six generic features of information-seeking behavior (starting, chaining, browsing, differentiating, monitoring, and extracting) were confirmed.
- 02Four additional features were identified: accessing, networking, verifying, and information managing.
- 03A new, four-stage model was developed: searching, accessing, processing, and ending.
Application
Design takeaway
Design systems that support users through the entire information journey, from initial search to final information management, by integrating functionalities for accessing, verifying, and organizing information.
How to apply
When designing research databases or academic support software, map user journeys to include distinct phases of searching, accessing, processing, and concluding information management.
Project actions
- 01When researching user behavior, consider the entire user journey, not just the initial interaction.
- 02Look for opportunities to add value at different stages of a user's process, not just the most obvious ones.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Combines multiple research methods (email and face-to-face interviews) for robust data collection.
- +Builds upon and extends an established model in the field.
Limitations
The specific context of social scientists studying stateless nations might not perfectly apply to all user groups or research areas.
Reliability & validity
The use of both email and face-to-face interviews, along with building on an existing model, enhances the study's validity. Reliability would depend on the consistency of interview protocols and data analysis.
Think critically
How might the specific research topic (stateless nations) have influenced the identified information-seeking behaviors, and how could this model be adapted for disciplines with different information needs?
Design Principles
"Information-seeking is a multi-stage process requiring integrated support throughout."
Understanding the nuanced stages of how researchers find, engage with, and manage information is crucial for designing effective research tools, databases, and support systems. This insight helps in creating more intuitive and efficient workflows for academic professionals.
What This Means for Your Design
This study shows that when scientists look for information, it's not just about searching. They also need to get the information, work with it, and then manage it. The study created a new model with four steps: searching, accessing, processing, and ending.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the four-stage model (searching, accessing, processing, ending) to structure your analysis of user information-seeking behavior in your design project.
- 2.Identify which stages are most critical for your target users and design features that specifically address needs within those stages.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research revisits and refines models of information-seeking behavior, proposing a four-stage framework (searching, accessing, processing, ending) that better captures the user journey for social scientists. This comprehensive understanding of user needs across different stages is vital for designing effective research tools and systems.
Source
Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology
Modeling the information‐seeking behavior of social scientists: Ellis's study revisited
journal · 2003
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about information management stages: a refined model for social science research?
- Design systems that support users through the entire information journey, from initial search to final information management, by integrating functionalities for accessing, verifying, and organizing information. Evidence: Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (2003).
- Why does "Information Management Stages: A Refined Model for Social Science Research" matter for design?
- Understanding the nuanced stages of how researchers find, engage with, and manage information is crucial for designing effective research tools, databases, and support systems. This insight helps in creating more intuitive and efficient workflows for academic professionals.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design systems that support users through the entire information journey, from initial search to final information management, by integrating functionalities for accessing, verifying, and organizing information.
- What were the main findings?
- Ellis's six generic features of information-seeking behavior (starting, chaining, browsing, differentiating, monitoring, and extracting) were confirmed.. Four additional features were identified: accessing, networking, verifying, and information managing.. A new, four-stage model was developed: searching, accessing, processing, and ending.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research combining electronic mail interviews and face-to-face interviews. with 65 participants (60 via email, 5 face-to-face).
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2003 journal from Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing research databases or academic support software, map user journeys to include distinct phases of searching, accessing, processing, and concluding information management.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a specific sub-discipline (social scientists studying stateless nations), which may limit generalizability to all social scientists or other disciplines.