Lu, M., Harvey, M. and Hoeber, O. (2022) What's interrupting your search? In: Rothfritz, L. and Greifeneder, E., (eds.) Information Research. ISIC: the information behaviour conference, 26-29 Sep 2022, Berlin, Germany. University of Borås , isic2202.
Abstract
Introduction. Web search is a common activity in a mobile context. However, the nature of performing tasks in a mobile environment means there is the risk interruption. While the effects of interruptions on mobile search have been studied in recent years, the nature of such interruptions occurring in real-world mobile settings have not. Methods. Using a diary study approach, we collected data from 20 participants on the everyday interruptions they faced conducting mobile web searches over a 10-day period. Analysis. We used inductive open coding to categorise the nature of the interruptions assigning each interruption to a category/sub-category combination. We then used a deductive coding approach to classify each interruption as being either internally or externally-induced; and mobile or non mobile-specific. Results. We found a broad range of interruptions, which we have organised into an extensive taxonomy. Further, a substantial proportion of the interruptions are externally-induced and more than half are unique to mobile contexts. Conclusions. The empirical evidence of the nature of mobile search interruptions in our findings provide insight into the complex environment of mobile search, information upon which to base future mobile search studies (e.g., surveys, controlled laboratory studies), and motivation for the study of search interface designs that can help mitigate the effects of such interruptions.
Metadata
Item Type: | Proceedings Paper |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Editors: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 The Author(s). This is an author-produced version of a paper subsequently published in Information Research. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | mobile search; distractions; interruptions; diary study |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Information School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 23 May 2022 15:17 |
Last Modified: | 11 Nov 2022 11:00 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | University of Borås |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.47989/irisic2202 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:186833 |