Thoughts on Bates’ Berrypicking
Bates, M. J. (1989). The design of browsing and berry-picking techniques for online search interface. Online Review, 13, 407-424. “The human natural tendency in information seeking is to fallback on passive and sampling and selecting behaviors derived from millions of years of [evolution]” [1] –Marcia J. Bates Today, the relationship between information retrieval (IR) and its human counterpart is seen as both important and necessary in any realistic discussion of information-retrieval models. In “The design of browsing and berry-picking techniques for online search interface[s]”, Bates proposes a shift from the machine-like classic information retrieval model to a more organic, user focused retrieval model. In 1989, when Marcia Bates wrote her article on “Berrypicking…” a user-centered searching model was a revolutionary idea. Prior to the induction of Bates’ model, IR models were often systems-centered rather than user-centered. If one takes this user-centered concept and applies it on a wider scale it… Read More »
Inspiring Designs
Some of my recent favorites are: http://www.sachagreif.com/ – I really appreciate the subtle colors that allow the header to pop and the black text seems soothing against the pale brown background. The page is also divided into upper and lower levels, with the lower level having a design relationship with the top nav bar. The font choices are perfect and the section headers are clearly distinguishable from the body content. http://www.webdesignerwall.com/ – This one is busy done properly. That is, the busyness does not detract from the navigation or layout of the page. The paper textures throughout the design give the page a three dimensional quality. The date tabs before each entry make it very easy to navigate and quickly see where each new entry begins. The body text is not my favorite use of a serif as I prefer a cleaner san-serif for body text. However it does fit… Read More »
Hello world!
I am a digital archivist with over 8 years of experience in information management, specializing in digital repositories, DAM systems and collaborate software. As a digital archivist, I ingest, assess and manage digital files (i.e. images and photographs) and paper records using digital asset and collection management systems. My work includes traditional archives activities such as finding aids, collection processing, assessment, accessions, storage and handling. I am a Metadata specialist for digital arts and photography, working with taxonomies, controlled vocabularies and current metadata schemas (i.e. Dublin Core). As an information manager, I’m passionate about creating working environments that apply current technologies to business operations and practices. I work closely with staff and create digital workflows, organizational methods and records management policies. I am an ardent supporter of incorporating Web 2.0 technologies in organizations to foster productivity and creativity. I help people gain control of information overload and connect to the… Read More »






