An exploratory analysis on unsuccessful image searches

Abstract

As a way of understanding users' information needs for image, this study aims to explore unsuccessful image search questions in context of a social Q&A service. To achieve this purpose, 41 unsuccessful image seeking questions in Yahoo!Answers were explored. 41 questions for image were analyzed in terms of information needs types and image attributes. The findings of this preliminary study show that information needs types are primarily recognized in the Specific and General/Nameable categories with approximately 50%, respectively. More importantly, these information needs are interlaced with multiple image attributes including bibliographic information, quality of image in non-visual feature and image attributes in interpretive category.