The Tetris model of the information seeking process

Abstract

Although many attempts have been made to model the information seeking process, so that we might better understand it and improve search systems, previous models have typically tried to flatten the dynamic and repetitive sequence of actions into a single set of stages. Some have surpassed the linear models with circular connections to show that users may, for example, search, examine results, and then refine their search, and repeat. Here we argue that simply adding circular attributes to the model does not fully capture the variability in the search process. Instead, we present the Tetris model of the information seeking process, as a means to more completely capture both the activities and the dynamic process involved in searching. After presenting the model, and related work, we continue by describing the additional benefits provided and how it may better inform design of information seeking systems.

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