Interactive Visual Facets to Support Fluid Exploratory Search

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2108.00920
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Authors: Chen He; Luana Micallef; Barış Serim; Tung Vuong; Tuukka Ruotsalo; Giulio Jacucci
• Keywords: Exploratory search; Categorical variable; Facet (psychology); Exploratory research; Time line

Exploratory search starts with ill-defined goals and involves browsing, learning, formulating new targets for search. To fluidly support such dynamic behaviours, we focus on devising interactive visual facets (IVF), visualising information to user comprehension control of the space. do this, reviewed existing faceted interfaces derived two design requirements (DR) that have not been fully addressed fluid interactions in exploratory We then exemplified through an IVF tool, which coordinates a linear categorical facet representing distribution summarisation items, respectively, providing context exploration (DR1). rapid transitions between criteria (DR2), tool introduces novel concept using select items without filtering item Particularly, propose filter-swipe technique enables users drag value sequentially over bars view intersection along dynamically summarizing interaction. Three applications demonstrate how features discovery ease. A study 11 participants realistic email tasks shows suggestions timeline navigation can help discover useful search; was favoured values as filters. Based these practices, derive implications fluid, searches.