SeekSeer: A Tool for Distributed Ethnomethodological Study of Information Retrieval

In this paper we describe the design of SeekSeer, a new software tool for gathering qualitative data on how people look for information. We posit that a general misunderstanding of how users look for information is the core issue that plagues the current design methodology for information retrieval systems and interfaces and diminishes chances for widespread acceptance of new products. Past attempts at remedying this issue are examined and critiqued. The lessons learned from these methods and studies are then used to inform the design of SeekSeer, in which descriptions of information retrieval activities are gathered at the user’s pace and comfort level through wizard-based interviews. The software and additional information are available online at http://www.seekseer.net