Designing Better Search: Usability Lessons for Information Retrieval

Friday 6 March 2026, 12.30pm - 1.30pm

Delivered via Zoom

Search is at the heart of how we discover, evaluate, and use information, yet many systems still fall short of supporting real user needs. Join the UK e-information Group (UKeiG) for a dynamic session that looks beyond algorithms to explore search as a human–computer interaction challenge.

We’ll dive into:

- The cognitive and behavioural aspects of information seeking
- Common usability pitfalls that frustrate users
- Design strategies for transparent, efficient, and inclusive search interfaces

Drawing on examples from mainstream and specialist contexts, including visual interfaces and AI-assisted retrieval, we’ll consider what “usable search” really means and how libraries and information professionals can champion better design in practice.

>>  Search Information Retrieval
>>  Cognitive and behavioural aspects of AI
 

Presented by:
    
 

Get to know the incredible CILIP Communities - our volunteer networks who meet regularly to programme events, trainings and conferences and publish journals, blogs and newsletters. Any CILIP member can join our community groups, attend events and/or get involved with the committee and help shape the future of their work...

UKeiG showcases and celebrates digital knowledge and expertise, ensuring that members from all sectors are savvy with R&D and innovations across the information industry.

Core topics in our portfolio include artificial intelligence, digital literacy, effective information retrieval and search technologies, enterprise search, social media, data management, research support, scholarly communication and open access publishing.

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CILIP Members' Fest session delivered via Zoom
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Members' Fest events are open-access! We're keen to introduce you to the work that we do and the support we can offer. Find out more about CILIP membership and how we can support you to super-charge your career here.