Information Services Advisory Group
ISAG Interface Guidelines
Developed in meetings of June 12 and 16
Appearance:
General preferences:
lighter background
contrast in colors between background and buttons/icons
avoidance of crowded look
Potential sources of confusion:
Inconsistency between interfaces among databases, e.g., navigation tools
Unclear that graphic is a button or icon which can be selected
Database list should:
provide alphabetical list only, until number of databases becomes large enough that some sort of subject arrangement becomes necessary
include years of coverage if database does not continue to the present (e.g., 1980-85); for all other databases, this information would be provided in introductory screen for that database
After search has been run, the following screen(s) should:
indicate the number of results/hits
identify the search which produced these results
begin the results display near the top of page (or provide readily apparent means to view results)
Buttons to be provided after search:
Search History
New Search
Search Results or Display Results (if needed)
Navigation:
From the evaluations, a consensus supported the following goals:
Importance of navigation buttons with a clear purpose
Minimize number of steps to move or function within interface
Avoid need to scroll at length before making next selection
Location of navigation buttons:
Such buttons should be located at the top and bottom of most screens, i.e., those of sufficient length, such as results screens, in which users may have to scroll extensively, or be frustrated by the need to return to the top of a long page, before making a navigation selection. Another possibility (in place of buttons at the bottom of the page) is to use textual links to present the same options at the bottom of screens.
Navigation button options should include:
a new search button to return to a blank search screen
a search history button
a select/change database button
a thesaurus or word index option (where available)
others noted in Display/Capture section (below)
ISAG recognizes the need for the design team to have flexibility in designing screens and features within established guidelines; thus, we have not attempted to specify all of the navigation options to be presented, or the labels for all of those buttons.
ISAG recognizes that users will employ both navigation options within the interface environment and the browser navigation options. Our goal is to integrate the two sets of navigation tools, while avoiding or minimizing any problems caused by use of browser options during search sessions.
Search Engine:
ISAG prefers two different keyword searching options, while leaving room for flexibility of the design team in presentation of these options.
1. Single Search Box: A general keyword search which allows searching in a "Words Anywhere," "Whole Record," or similar option, among other options (including Author, Title or other specified fields). This option should allow command line searching, fully utilizing all available search features, including Boolean connectors, brackets, classification codes and other search tools which may available for particular databases. (This may include the option of using DIALOG search syntax.)
2. Multiple Search Box Option: A more complex or structured (if not necessarily more "advanced") search option, perhaps similar to Webcat's Advanced Keyword search, or some presentation of multiple search boxes, allowing users to search for specific keywords in designated fields.
Optimizing special features available for individual databases: This may involve tailoring interfaces to address specific features which are available for some databases, but not others. E.g., limits, searchable fields, and full record display. When available, a Thesaurus or Word index should be included. Again, ISAG may benefit from the opportunity to examine options which the design team develops with this goal in mind.
Comment: ISAG recognizes the need for some flexibility in developing search screens within these requirements. ISAG may need to examine drafts (or options) developed by the design team for further consideration before final recommendations or specifications are made.
Exact term search option for some databases: ISAG recognizes that exact term title searches may be particularly appropriate in some databases, i.e., library catalogs, in which users are most likely to search for known items. While keyword searching should be the principal mode of searching in most databases, this term search option may be included among the varying tools provided for select databases.
Displaying & Capturing Search Results:
General preferences:
Printing sequence with minimum number of steps
Marking feature that does not require reloading the page each time an item is marked or unmarked
Modes of display:
1. An index list that includes bibliographic citation information--including (for articles), volume, journal name, page number and date
2. A full record option, which includes display of other information included for that database
Print/Capture Options to Be Included:
Ability to combine marked records over several searches
Separate button options for printing, e-mailing, and downloading
A button option to "Display Marked Records," "Show Bookmarks," or some similar label.
Other navigation buttons suggested:
A "log off" or "terminate session" button
A "clear marked records" button
A prompt or reminder, upon logging off or terminating a session, of the marked records cumulated during that session