The Future of Search in Analytics: Facilitating Data Exploration Through Natural Language Interaction
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Publicerad
2019
Författare
ARVIDSSON, NILS
STENSON, JOHANNA
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Data analytics software creates a possibility to analyze data through the help of
visual representations, aiming to help users gain insights from the data that can
support decision making. With search functions becoming increasingly powerful,
the ability to use search as a tool for exploring data in analytics software can be
seen as promising. Further, interfaces for analyzing data through the use of natural
language interaction has been explored in the analytics industry, striving to make
sometimes complex software more accessible to novice users. This master’s thesis
explores how search functionality can be applied as a tool in analytic software to
effectively support the exploration and analysis of data, with a specific focus on
how such functionality can benefit inexperienced users. To investigate the topic, the
thesis work included building upon previous knowledge within the subject of search
in general and its application in data analysis, as well as prototyping design solutions
and analyzing the design with target users. The design was developed during three
design iterations, resulting in a concept for a search system in analytics that aims to
support users in analyzing data by enabling the use of natural language. Based on
previous research on the topic, tentative design guidelines were formulated, which
were iterated during the project based on insights gathered from designing and
testing the concept. This resulted in a set of 13 design guidelines for search in
analytics, aiming to inform decisions in future design work.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Search , visualization , analytics , natural language interaction , data exploration , interaction design