A novice user's interface to information retrieval systems

This report describes the design of an interface for information retrieval systems intended for novice users. The main design goal is to provide a system that can be used without training, external help or documentation. Design decisions are largely based on the literature on human factors in interactive computer systems. The major design features of the system are the use of menus and fill-in-the blank modes of command entry, display windowing and an extensive two-level online help facility providing step by step guidance for the user during command/query entry. A preliminary evaluation of the system indicates that it can in fact be used by people unfamiliar with information retrieval systems, without the aid of any external help, documentation, or training.