An interaction and interface design framework for video digital libraries
| Pages | 667-692 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-12-2011-0056 |
| Published date | 02 September 2013 |
| Date | 02 September 2013 |
| Author | Dan Albertson |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Records management & preservation,Document management |
An interaction and interface
design framework for video
digital libraries
Dan Albertson
School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alabama,
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a framework applicable to interactive video
retrieval. The objective of the framework is so that it can be applied conceptually for understanding
users and use of video digital libraries, and also practically for designing retrieval components like
user interfaces.
Design/methodology/approach – The framework was developed through a user-centered and
analytical approach, and serves as an initial attempt at generalizing how users interact when
searching and browsing digital video, throughout different situations, along with the general designs
that can be supportive.
Findings – The framework is two-fold, yet, together, comprises one set of conceptual findings. The
first component of the framework depicts generalized user interactions throughout varying contexts of
an interactive video retrieval process, followed by a second component, an illustration of the resulting
supportive interface designs or sets of features. Cautions from previous studies not to over generalize
the interactive process were heeded.
Research limitations/implications – The implications for such research are based on the
understanding that video retrieval will benefit from the advancement of user-centered foundations,
which can guide and support design decisions for resources like digital libraries.
Originality/value – The need for this study is rather straightforward: there is currently not enough
conceptual research of interactive video retrieval from a user-centered perspective, which contrasts
with other areas of information retrieval research where the interaction process has been thoroughly
examined for a variety of domains and contexts with implications for different retrieval tools like
OPACs, search engines, and article databases.
Keywords Video digitallibraries, User interface design,User-centered design,
Human computer interaction, Framework,Digital libraries, Information retrieval
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
From a user-centered definition, digital libraries are interactive retrieval tools that are
accompanied with the fundamental expectation of allowing human users to use and
interact “in the loop.” The nonlinear and iterative interaction process between users
and digital libraries is facilitated by user interfaces and other system functions that
enable the retrieval of items from (many times) centralized and domain-specific or
specialized collections. Video digital libraries pertain to those projects and
corresponding retrieval systems that strive to disseminate digitized video
information to users; the developmental processes involved for these types of
resources can be notably complex and comprise different considerations for design and
information delivery. Video digital libraries have been developed to make available
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0022-0418.htm
Video digital
libraries
667
Received 29 December 2011
Revised 12 October 2012
Accepted 14 October 2012
Journal of Documentation
Vol. 69 No. 5, 2013
pp. 667-692
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0022-0418
DOI 10.1108/JD-12-2011-0056
and accessible collections that pertain to a variety of different topics of video, including
educational, entertainment, archived news, cultural heritage, and other types of
collections.
The significance of existing frameworks and/or models for understandin g
information retrieval (IR) is documented; for one, such theory enables researchers to
apply conceptual findings for formulating initial designs of interactive systems like
digital libraries. Frameworks give other research efforts a foundation from which to
build, potentially enhancing the rigor and validation of design decisions by providing
supporting knowledge about users, information tasks, behaviors, and other outcomes
that are a result of theoretical examinations. Generalizations depicting user interaction
with video digital libraries can be helpful for conceiving and establishing sets of
applicable interface features and functions for certain types of collections.
Notable frameworks depicting user interaction behaviors along with implications
for interface design have been traditionally proposed and adapted throughout text IR
research where discoveries from experimental studies utilizing textual retrieval
systems served as the primary basis for framing such generalizations (Shneiderman
et al., 1997; Marchionini, 2006; Belkin, 1993). It should be noted that there have been
theoretical advances in the area of interactive image retrieval, as well, such as the
development of an image seeking model, thus demonstrating a need for understanding
users’ approaches to finding visual resources in addition to text (Conniss et al., 2000).
While such previous models and frameworks were designed within studies or contexts
involving the use of textual and/or image resources, they are not always intended,
designed, or applicable solely for that one medium. However, the absence of such
conceptual work pertaining to video retrieval or video digital libraries, specifically,
does raise interest.
This article emphasizes that research in the area of video retrieval can also benefit
from the advancement of user-centered theoretical foundations, which can facilitate the
establishment of design and evaluation standards and/or principles. Consequentially,
models or frameworks that can be developed and adapted for understanding
interactive video digital libraries warrant exploration. Asserted in subsequent sections
of this article, the uniqueness of video as an information resource spurs independent
examination of users, needs, and interactions, all as part of a comprehensive conceptual
analysis of video retrieval, interface design, and digital library research. This article
proposes one framework that depicts paralleled generalizations of user interactions
with video digital libraries and the resulting design considerations or guidance for user
interfaces. The scope of this analysis, in terms of the examined information seeking
process, has been condensed to investigate the initialization, execution, reformulation,
and conclusion stages of a search process where users are seeking video from a
centralized and specialized collection using different interface features in order to
satisfy a need. Considering the user-centered and digital library orientation of this
study, the significance of interactivity, defined as human users engaging in an IR
process, is thus implied. The generalization of specific user interface features and
functions of video digital libraries examined throughout this article include those that
enable search, browse, and feedback; this approach enables the creation of a conceptual
framework for interface design without over-generalizing findings.
The framework presented in this article has been grounded on different analyses,
including both experimental and theoretical, which previously demonstrated evidence
or depicted significant relationships between users, interaction behaviors, design,
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