Using a cognitive model to generate web navigation support

• Published in: International journal of human-computer studies Vol. 65; no. 10; pp. 887 - 897
• Main Authors: van Oostendorp, Herre, Juvina, Ion
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cognitive modelling; Computer science; control theory; systems; Computer systems and distributed systems. User interface; Exact sciences and technology; Individual differences; Information scent; Navigation support; Software; Web navigation; Information scent; Navigation support; Cognitive modelling; Web navigation; Individual differences; Text comprehension; Navigational aid; Real time; Modeling; Information browsing; Relevance; Cognitive theory; Hearing; User interface; User assistance; Odor
• ISSN: 1071-5819; 1095-9300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhcs.2007.06.004

A computational cognitive model of web navigation is proposed. Based on theories and models of text comprehension and web navigation, the plausibility of the proposed model is discussed. The model was used to generate navigation support and this support was offered to users in real time during their navigation sessions, in two experiments. In the first experiment navigation support was offered in the auditory modality and it had a positive effect on user's task performance, especially for users with low spatial abilities. In the second experiment navigation support was offered in the visual modality and users positively evaluated it. Users navigated in a more structured way, judged the system as more usable, and perceived themselves as less disoriented. Support did also here lead to better task performance. Finally, some aspects concerning further enhancement of the validity of the proposed model and its practical relevance are discussed.