A Modular Approach to Promote Creativity and Inspiration in Search

Abstract

When searching through collections of books or written texts, the efficient yet limiting query paradigm is still the most dominant entry point. Previous work characterizes search processes in various contexts and describes them as integral and closely related to creative endeavours. We revisit this work from a design perspective, proposing guidelines for versatile search interfaces that are based on a modular approach to search. Inspired by aspects of search in physical environments, our recommendations address learning, creativity, inspiration, and pleasure as positive aspects of (book) search. Based on in-depth interviews with library patrons about search practises in physical and digital environments and drawing from previous work on search behaviour, we discuss search patterns as modular constructs consisting of micro-strategies. We illustrate how the structure of these patterns is highly flexible. Much like creative processes, they fluidly evolve based on learning and ideation during search, particularly in physical environments. This modular perspective provides a basis for designing interfaces that facilitate creative approaches to search in digital environments.

Diving in at the Deep End

“…Previous research has characterized search strategies in digital systems as a combination of querying, assessment, and selection activities [1,13,40]. We found our participants' search workflow on both search systems to be consistent to these previous findings.…”

“…When designing our in-situ search system, we followed designcentered models of the search process [40], as well as contemporary guidelines toward designing search interfaces [16,46]. Hearst and Wilson, for example, both highlight the need of supporting the fluid adjustment of search criteria, and establishing a close connection between search criteria and the result list [16,46].…”

“…Previous work on promoting generous approaches to collection interfaces [44] and serendipitous discoveries [39] support this argument. However, our concept needs to be expanded to integrating recommendation mechanisms, for example, in the form of keyword suggestions to fuel associative thinking and creativity-important factors when it comes to open-ended search [40]. While our playful approach to interaction design increased some participants' motivation to explore the library collection, others clearly prefered a more pragmatic approach which is more in line with the design of the Online Catalog.…”

Searching for creativity: How people search to generate new ideas

“…Their findings revealed the need to develop electronic resources supporting information seeking, interpretation, and use to enhance students' creativity. Thudt et al (2015) analyzed people's book search habits and identified four micro-strategies (querying, linking, scanning, and assessing) as search process modules. Their findings indicated opportunities for linking learning, creativity, and ideation.…”