Towards a Computer-Based Information Retrieval Systems Process

This paper presents the first definition of a methodology to analyze, design and evaluate information retrieval systems. We do not address the search engines themselves, but we discuss the computer human interaction implied. We show the need to introduce the user point-of-view in each interaction, and demonstrate the usage of trade oriented knowledge. We argue that, despite the inherent quality of the search engine, the human interface should be considered as the critical part of any system. Information Search Processes must evolve to include a computer-human interaction approach.