Research Objects (ROs) are semantically enhanced aggregations of resources associated to scientific experiments, such as data, provenance of these data, the scientific workflow used to run the experiment, intermediate results, logs and the interpretation of the results. As the number of ROs increases, it is becoming difficult to find ROs to be used, reused or re-purposed. New search and retrieval techniques are required to find the most appropriate ROs for a given researcher, paying attention to provide an intuitive user interface. In this paper we show CollabSpheres, a user interface that provides a new visual metaphor to find ROs by means of a recommendation system that takes advantage of the social aspects of ROs. The experimental evaluation of this tool shows that users perceive high values of usability, user satisfaction, usefulness and ease of use. From the analysis of these results we argue that users perceive the simplicity, intuitiveness and cleanness of this tool, as well as this tool increases collaboration and reuse of research objects.
The rationale behind the Collaboration Spheres is closely related with circles of collaborative search introduced by Russell-Rose @cite_16 . The definition of the circles of collaborative search provides a holistic view of collaboration in search by defining a three-circle model composed by the inner and intermediate social circles; and the outer circle. The inner and intermediate circles represent and intentional collaboration between individuals who share some degree of social connectedness, and form the nucleus of collaboration. The outer circle comprises , unintentional collaboration. This is the case in our Collaboration Spheres for the statistical data extracted from the preferences of the whole research community in collaborative filtering. However, our approach goes further, because we show an additional circle of recommendations based on the context (explicit preferences) of the user.
@cite_16
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Search is not just a box and ten blue links. Search is a journey: an exploration where what we encounter along the way changes what we seek. But in order to guide people along this journey, designers must understand both the art and science of search.In Designing the Search Experience, authors Tony Russell-Rose and Tyler Tate weave together the theories of information seeking with the practice of user interface design. Understand how people search, and how the concepts of information seeking, information foraging, and sensemaking underpin the search process. Apply the principles of user-centered design to the search box, search results, faceted navigation, mobile interfaces, social search, and much more. Design the cross-channel search experiences of tomorrow that span desktop, tablet, mobile, and other devices. Table of Contents PART 1 A Framework for Search and Discovery Chapter 1 The User Chapter 2 Information Seeking Chapter 3 Context Chapter 4 Modes of Search and Discovery PART 2 Design Solutions Chapter 5 Formulating the Query Chapter 6 Displaying and Manipulating Results Chapter 7 Faceted Search Chapter 8 Mobile Search Chapter 9 Social Search Part 3 Designing the Future Chapter 10 Cross-Channel Information Interaction