CASES, SCRIPTS, AND INFORMATION-SEEKING STRATEGIES - ON THE DESIGN OFINTERACTIVE INFORMATION-RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS

The support of effective interaction of the user with the other compon ents of the system is a central problem for information retrieval. In this paper, we present a theory of such interactions taking place with in a space of information-seeking strategies, and discuss how such a c oncept can be used to design for effective interaction. In particular, we propose a model of information retrieval system design based on th e ideas of: a multidimensional space of information-seeking strategies ; dialogue structures for information seeking; cases of specific infor mation-seeking dialogues; and, scripts as distinguished prototypical c ases. We demonstrate the use of this model by discussing in some detai l the MERIT system, a prototype information retrieval system, that inc orporates these design principles.