The effect of task domain on search

The objective of our work is to assess how search interfaces can be personalized according to domain-specific needs. In this study we investigated how people search within diverse domains (consumer health, shopping, travel and general research) to identify differences in searching needs. A mixed method research design was used to observe forty-eight participants interacting with a modified version of Google to complete four search problems from four domains. Results indicated significant differences by domain. Furthermore, analysis of verbal protocols identified specific areas to be addressed in the design of new search interfaces.