1996 Survey of User Information Needs and Search Methods Results

4 Analysis of Survey Results

The intention of the Survey was to examine the views of a range of respondents with varying levels of experience in the use of computers and the Internet. The questionnaire was accompanied by a request for responses from everyone, irrespective of their experience of the Internet. However, because of the nature of ADAM, it was predictable that the paper questionnaire was more likely to be returned by those who had an interest, and therefore were experienced in the use of technology. The findings of the Survey confirm this. Therefore, all the results of the Survey must be considered in the light of the high percentage of technically experienced respondents.

In the absence of relevant data against which to compare the sample, it is not possible to draw any conclusions regarding the extent to which the sample within each Role/Function group, or Subject area, represents a breakdown of the total ADAM target community. However, the results indicate that the survey achieved its aim of reaching a cross-section of the total population.

4.2 Evaluation of User Requirements

In order to be successful in its development, ADAM must consider the current behaviour of potential users, address the problems they face in obtaining information and consider the mechanisms they use for retrieval.

Although 74% of all respondents have access to the Internet, only 35% reported that they use on-line searching of the Internet as a method of obtaining information. Interpretation of the data presented in Section 3 of this report should aim to identify barriers which inhibit the use of networked information. The next phase of the project must explore methods of removing or reducing the effects of such barriers.

The assessments of existing Internet Search Tools provide an indication of successful and less successful aspects of Internet Information Retrieval. In designing the ADAM prototype, consideration should be given to the positive and negative attributes of well used Search tools, as well as to the factors which influence users' evaluation of them.

Quality of Resources is key to the success of ADAM. No matter how sophisticated the search engine may be, if the resources it identifies are of poor quality then the information is of little use. The sites of interest identified by respondents will be used to increase the ADAM “resource bank” and verify the usefulness of some resources already identified. Information relating to the subject category and reason for use can be input directly into the planning of prototype trials within different user communities, leading to a more detailed assessment of resources within user groups e.g. the importance of text versus images and quality of image.

4.3 Recommendations

This survey constitutes one component of an on-going consultation process. The preliminary assessment of needs reflects current perceptions and therefore can be viewed only as a first step in identifying ultimate user requirements.

This survey does not reflect the perceptions of an important group of potential users, namely those with little or no experience of computers and the Internet. It is clear that the project development process should consider how their needs can be assessed and catered for. All future developments should take into account an initial lack of awareness, in terms of the impact that technology could have on the way users perform.

The results of this survey will influence the design of the ADAM prototype and will be used in the planning of trials, which will facilitate closer examination of the advantages and disadvantages of ADAM, as well as comparison with other search methods.

The speed of technological change and development of new Web Sites will ensure that the potential of the Internet, as a source of information, will continue increase over the life-time of the project.

Changes in teaching practices, and developments within the workplace, will inevitably result in the need to review requirements. Continual assessment of the speed and direction of such changes would ensure that ADAM remains relevant to its users.

Generation of a final functional specification for ADAM will result from an evolutionary process, whereby the results of this initial consultation phase will be verified and requirements of the user population refined.

The ultimate objective of the Consultation Process will be to develop a Service which will be of real value to a wide ranging user community. Key to the production of a durable Information Gateway will be accessibility and flexibility:

• The Service must be accessible to a wide variety of users in a format that is easy to use and relevant. It must take into account levels of technological awareness, user motivation and information needs.
  
• Advances in technology and changes in user behaviour, which will undoubtedly occur within the development cycle and beyond, dictate that the Service must be built with inherent flexibility in order to be successful.

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