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Children use second-and third-dimensional digital library interfaces

Document Cited in Related
Date21 March 2016
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-07-2015-0078
Pages21-35
Published date21 March 2016
AuthorKochiu Wu,Hung-Chun Chen
Subject MatterLibrary & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library technology
Children use second-and
third-dimensional digital
library interfaces
Kochiu Wu and Hung-Chun Chen
National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paperis to explore children’s spatial cognitive abilities as theyengaged
in information-seeking behaviors on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) digitalinterfaces.
Design/methodology/approach –Children between the ages of seven and 11 were observed as they
browsed either a 2D or 3D navigation interface for a children’s digital library. Data regarding their
use of the overview function and depth cues were analyzed to reveal the relationships between
search performance efficiency, precision, and effectiveness and the associative memory,
visualization memory, and spatial visualization abilities of the user.
Findings –Children spent less time using the 2D interface when compared to time spent using the 3D
interface. Children exhibited better performance precision when using the 3D interface. Children
applied exhaustive strategies and more varied cognitive skills across different tasks when using the 2D
interface, and applied a more focussed approach when using the 3D interface.
Originality/value –The cognitive abilities of children are not yet fully developed, so they require a
unique user interface when browsing digital libraries. This study served the practical purpose of
developing a game-like user interface for ease of use. Providing an effective overview function allows
young users with less developed cognitive abilities to navigate informational cues. They can then build
an effective mind map and implement efficient way-finding strategies.
Keywords Design, Information visualization, Virtual worlds, Information space,
Search user interfaces, Way-finding
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Children tend to like graphic interface designs (Bilal, 2005) and many such interfaces have
been developed to satisfytheir information-seeking needs (Hutchinson et al., 2007; Gossen
and Nürnberger, 2013). Search interfaces are generally divided into “query interfaces”and
“navigation interfaces.”Though it may seem convenient enough for a young child to type
the appropriate keywords on a query interface, a child usually lacks the basic framework
of knowledge and literacy that adults have. They are therefore inclined to have a skill
breakdown due to insufficiency of knowledge. Navigation interfaces, meanwhile, help
children to obtain information through browsing; children are better able to comprehend
the structure of the interface via information visualization so they can then acquire what
they are seeking.
Adult readers generally know how to use advanced functions such as keyword queries
or hyperlinks in a digital library, so they are able to find the data or the publication they
seek. They are also capable of utilizing abstract visual tools to guide them in navigation.
Children, however, can only consult their limited life experiences as they are still at the
concrete operational stage of cognitive development. Past research results have shown
that children are very different from their adult counterparts when seeking information Library Hi Tech
Vol. 34 No. 1, 2016
pp. 21-35
©Emerald Group Publis hing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/LHT-07-2015-0078
Received 29 July 2015
Revised 27 September 2015
Accepted 5 October 2015
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
The authors would like to thank the National Science Council of the Republic of China, Taiwan
for financially supporting this research under Contract No. NSC 101-2410-H-027-014.
21
Digital library
interfaces

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