Info 202 Fall 2011

For this assignment you will analyze the search interfaces of wine.com and Zillow.com through the lens of organizing systems presented thus far in class. Familiarize yourself with their search functionality by performing a few searches (say "pinot noir" for wine.com and "lower haight, san francisco" for zillow.com). Write 500 words or more for each of the following questions (for a total of about 1,000 words):

1. Analyze the search interface and the search results using the key concepts of organizing systems we've covered this semester. DO NOT concern yourself with whether the results are actually good or fulfill user's information needs. Rather, what do these interfaces reveal to you about the underlying organizing system? Specifically, comment on each of the following:
   • Classification principles
   • Resource description
   • Granularity
   • One more of your choosing

   Provide specific examples to illustrate your points. To help you, look at wine.com's advanced search (http://www.wine.com/v6/search/advancedsearch.aspx) and Zillow's filters in the top left area of the map (see screenshot below). 
   
   
   

2. Discuss 3 specific design issues from the Hearst chapter and evaluate how well they were satisfied in each application.

Submit a new assignment submission titled "A8 - Your Name" and attach a PDF of your answers named "A8 - Your Name.pdf".