Interaction: Beyond retrieval

What is the role of interaction in the next generation of information systems? In classical information retrieval systems, interaction enables and facilitates the search for relevant documents. Typically, the interface is based on a three-pronged interaction paradigm: formulating keyword queries, scanning results lists, and browsing hypertext structures. This paradigm has been enormously successful. It is the basis for almost every modern, mainstream, large-scale information system, from digital libraries to web search engines and corporate intranets. But is this retrieval-centric approach to interaction a suitable foundation for the next generation of information systems? Is it a satisfactory basis for supporting the full cycle of knowledge discovery, creation, and use?