IUI2009: Understanding the intent behind mobile information needs

Karen Church
Telefonica Research
Barcelona, Spain


Barry Smith
CLARITY
Belfield, Dublin, Ireland


SUMMARY:
     The authors who wrote this paper performed several user studies that were meant to explore the goals behind mobile information needs.  Devices like the iPhone have greatly increased the number of mobile users who access the world wide web.  In particular web search needs differ for mobile users and PC users.  The studies found that mobile user needs differ depending on time and location.  Non-informational needs account for 42% of user needs while geographical needs accounted for 31%.  Personal information was the intent only 10% of the time.

DISCUSSION:
    This paper contains valuable information for any software engineer that works with mobile devices.  Knowing what information people are looking for on their mobile phone can help programmers design their applications appropriately.  This would also be useful for a company like Google or Microsoft that try to provide optimal search functionality for their users.