Graphical interface design for children seeking information in a digital library

Background: Children are very curious. They like to play games but lack reading fluency. Conventional interfaces for information-seeking in digital libraries are unsuitable for children because they are rigid, text-based, and task-oriented. Thus, this study developed a customized interface for a digital library. To facilitate children in online searches, the design concepts included user-friendly target icons, icon recognition, and way-finding in a two-dimensional visualized environment. Methods: In this study, the criteria used to develop visualization tools that children can use for information retrieval were based on theories of human perception related to graphical interfaces for information visualization systems, including iconic representations and information density on visualized displays. Databases widely used by children in the National Library of Public Information were linked to the suggested database frame. The database frame was classified into five major subject categories: Natural Sciences, Fine Arts and Music, Health and Athletics, History and Culture, and Treasure of Knowledge. The web interface was designed according to way-finding concepts and map-structure hierarchies. Information searches in the main frame, sub-frames, and linked database were designed to be simple and intuitive for use by children. Results: Information search efficiency was measured in 104 children assigned to search the virtual environment for icons (databases) that adequately supported their studies. Statistical analyses showed that, compared to the text-lined interface, the graphical interface improved the success and speed of searches by children. Conclusions: Incorporating theories of spatial memory and representative icons in designs for visualized retrieval systems helps children to recognize different categories of knowledge content and improves their efficiency in information retrieval. To improve database search efficiency in children, information recommendation issues require further study. However, further research is also needed to identify factors that affect patterns of information-seeking behavior in children.