A comparison of subject-based classification
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Document Number: |
None; publication of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society |
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Publication Date: |
01-2005 |
| Authors: |
Vicki Ahlstrom |
Ahlstrom, V. (2005). A comparison of subject-based classification strategies for enhanced usability. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 49, 1439-1443.
Abstract
Collections of documents, such as technical notes, are often classified on websites using a set of keywords that describe general subject areas. These keywords are used as a set of links to help the user navigate to the information he or she is seeking. This subject-based classification is intended to help users find information. A poorly designed subject-based index can make it difficult or impossible for users to find the information they need, however, creating an effective subject-based index is not easy. There are many different classification strategies that can be used. Each of these strategies can result in a different set of key words/key phrases. Some of these strategies may result in an index that is more usable than others. This paper addresses the problem of how to create a subject index that facilitates usability. Several strategies are compared against user search data. The five strategies resulted in differences in search success rate and efficiency.
Updated: May 04, 2012 11:21 AM
