Browsing Unix Directories With Dynamic Queries:
An Evaluation of Three Information Display Techniques
Browsing Unix Directories With Dynamic Queries:
An Evaluation of Three Information Display Techniques
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Date
1998-10-15
Authors
Liao, Holmes
Osada, Masakazu
Shneiderman, Ben
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Abstract
We designed, implemented, and evaluated an innovative concept for
dynamic queries which involves the direct manipulation of small databases.
Our domain was directories in a Unix file system. Dynamic queries
allow users to formulate queries and explore the databases with
graphical widgets, such as sliders and buttons, without requiring them
to have any knowledge about the underlying structure of the database
query languages, or command language syntax. Three interfaces for
presenting directories were developed and tested with eighteen subjects in a
within-subject design. The results of the formative evaluation yielded
some useful guidelines for software designers.
(Also cross-referenced as CAR-TR-605)