Ralf Bierig

Information seeking and use is now routine in people’s everyday lives. Searching through various information retrieval systems such as web search engines or search functions within information systems allows users to gain access to information on the Internet. Whereas most research in this area has focused on the algorithms behind the search engines from technical perspectives, in this monograph, the authors focus on the search interface, the place where searchers interact with the search system.Search Interface Design and Evaluation reviews the research on the design and evaluation of search user interfaces of the past 10 years. The authors’ primary goal is to integrate state-of-the-art search interface research in the areas of information seeking behavior, information retrieval, and human-computer interaction. The monograph describes the history and background of the development of the search interface and introduces information search behavior models that help conceptualize users’ information needs. The authors also characterize the major components of search interfaces that support different subprocesses based on Marchonini’s information seeking process model, review the design of search interfaces for different user groups, and identify evaluation methods of search interfaces and how they were implemented. Lastly, they provide an outlook on the future trends of search interfaces that includes conversational search interfaces, search interfaces supporting serendipity and creativity, and searching in immersive and virtual reality environments.

Software testing can be regarded as an art, a craft, and a science. The practical, step-by-step approach presented in this book provides a bridge between these different viewpoints. A single worked example runs throughout, with consistent use of test automation. Each testing technique is introduced in the context of this example, helping students see its strengths and weaknesses. The technique is then explained in more detail, providing a deeper understanding of underlying principles. Finally the limitations of each technique are demonstrated by inserting faults, giving learners concrete examples of when each technique succeeds or fails in finding faults. Coverage includes black-box testing, white-box testing, random testing, unit testing, object-oriented testing, and application testing. The authors also emphasise the process of applying the techniques, covering the steps of analysis, test design, test implementation, and interpretation of results. The book's web site has programming exercises and Java source code for all examples.