Search Interfaces for Mathematicians

TL;DR

This study investigates how professional mathematicians search for mathematical knowledge, revealing patterns that inform the design of more effective mathematical search interfaces.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into mathematicians' search behaviors, guiding the development of tailored search tools for mathematical knowledge retrieval.

Findings

Identified search behavior patterns among mathematicians

Provided design considerations for mathematical search interfaces

Enhanced understanding of search phases in mathematical research

Abstract

Access to mathematical knowledge has changed dramatically in recent years, therefore changing mathematical search practices. Our aim with this study is to scrutinize professional mathematicians' search behavior. With this understanding we want to be able to reason why mathematicians use which tool for what search problem in what phase of the search process. To gain these insights we conducted 24 repertory grid interviews with mathematically inclined people (ranging from senior professional mathematicians to non-mathematicians). From the interview data we elicited patterns for the user group "mathematicians" that can be applied when understanding design issues or creating new designs for mathematical search interfaces.