1) Describe the challenges first-time users face when using an information-exploration system. Propose how these challenges can be overcome.

Sometimes the method for querying data distracts the user from their task or overwhelms them. Complicated query syntax, therefore, should be replaced by simple keyword search.

2) Argue whether textual search interfaces should keep details of how the search is performed hidden from the users. Decide which approach will allow the user to get more accurate results.

I believe that it is okay to show details to advanced users in an advanced interface. However, you should not show it to all users because novice users would get overwhelmed.

3) Describe a framework, of 3 to 7 phases, that will help to coordinate design practices to satisfy the needs of first-time, intermittent, and frequent users who are accessing a variety of textual and multimedia libraries.

The five-phase framework to help coordinate design practices and satisfy the needs of many users is as follows: 1. Formulation, 2. Initiation of action, 3. Review of results, 4. Refinement, 5. Use. In step one, designers prepare constraints for the system, such as what phrases it can handle. In step two, designers implement specific actions of the system such as searching. In step three, the interface is reviewed and scrutinized. In step four, changes are made from suggestions made in step four. In step five, the system is being used.

4) Explain the strategy commonly used for searching multimedia archives. List the limitations associated with this strategy.

Usually such systems depend on the multimedia files containing metadata, such as descriptions or tags. The query system then just searches the tags and metadata based on user input. This has limitations however, because it does not allow for searching the actual document. Therefore a better video or picture file might not appear in a search because of a lack of metadata.