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EarlG

(21,929 posts)
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:01 PM Feb 2020

Can you spare a moment to help a DUer with their research project? (And help DU!) [View all]

This discussion thread was locked by EarlG (a host of the Announcements group).

Last edited Thu Feb 6, 2020, 01:48 AM - Edit history (1)

UPDATE 2/6/2020

The survey is now closed. Thank you very much to everyone who took part! We appreciate it.



ORIGINAL MESSAGE


Hello everyone,

One of our veteran members, Lithos, is studying for a Master's degree in Computer Science. His current class is in Human-Computer Interfaces, and he asked us if we could help him with some research.

Lithos has created a short survey to collect information about how DU members use the site's search functionality, and plans to write a report for his research on how the search functionality could be improved. He also hopes to conduct some brief one-on-one interviews with willing DU members, in order to gain further information.

The survey and interviews will help Lithos complete his research project, and in turn, he will share the results of that project with us so that we can improve our search functions in the future.

This is of course completely optional -- if you don't feel like taking the survey, you are not obligated to. But if you wish to take the survey, you will find it here:

Survey is now closed

If you do take part, we will collect some demographic information about your account along with your submitted survey but ONLY information that is already publicly available (for example, your post count, or whether you are a star member). NO private information will be shared with Lithos.

Lithos is also asking for volunteers to take part in some short one-on-one interviews about how members use the search function. This will be done via DU Mail, so if you wish to take part, simply contact him by sending him a DU Mail Message.

Once again, this is completely voluntary. If you would like more information, please visit this thread where Lithos has posted an FAQ. We appreciate your assistance, and thanks in advance to anyone who chooses takes part.

-- The DU Administrators
55 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
luddite. apple user. math free idiot. not sure i am worthy help. pansypoo53219 Feb 2020 #1
DIY Racer, R&D Machinist, Working supervisor, manufacturing engineer Mopar151 Feb 2020 #38
Oh, Yeah - have major interest in the project!!! Mopar151 Feb 2020 #46
i am old school forever. i mostly look at estatesales.com + watch classic dr who. pansypoo53219 Feb 2020 #50
The arc of the universe bends to QUALITY. Mopar151 Feb 2020 #55
I don't think I use "search" enough to give a reliable response to the survey. lpbk2713 Feb 2020 #2
Hi, I'm actually curious how you find things on the site without using "search" as well Lithos Feb 2020 #6
I just read what is next MoonlitKnight Feb 2020 #34
That's a fine answer Lithos Feb 2020 #35
On a Kindle, the Search button/field doesn't even show up. Beartracks Feb 2020 #37
You have to select desktop view. Mosby Feb 2020 #52
Oh, wow. LOL Thank you! Beartracks Feb 2020 #54
I search using google as i am on my cell phone and the search function doesn't render on my tiny applegrove Feb 2020 #3
i don't even know where the search button/function is dweller Feb 2020 #4
This is my issue, I recently learned you have to change dewsgirl Feb 2020 #12
You can replicate Advanced Search on your phone Rhiannon12866 Feb 2020 #40
I'm a DuckDuckGo searcher user....... a kennedy Feb 2020 #5
Bravo!! Computer Science... Maxheader Feb 2020 #7
Done blm Feb 2020 #8
There are times I have wanted to use the search feature defacto7 Feb 2020 #9
I've managed to use Advanced Search on my phone. Rhiannon12866 Feb 2020 #41
You know, I didn't notice... defacto7 Feb 2020 #45
I use DU mobile version, so I really don't use the search function. dewsgirl Feb 2020 #10
How do you find things without an explicit search? Lithos Feb 2020 #11
I use Google search, for example I'll search Trump disses dewsgirl Feb 2020 #15
I go to the Google search engine offsite. nt tblue37 Feb 2020 #28
I responded to the survey. Lithos also asks questions that are relevant to those who tblue37 Feb 2020 #30
I haven't used the search capability more than 2-3 times. Sorry. flor-de-jasmim Feb 2020 #13
I earned an MS in CS in 1982 cojoel Feb 2020 #14
look in a specific forum/group where it may be relevant dweller Feb 2020 #16
Done TheBlackAdder Feb 2020 #17
I tried to use the search function one, unsuccessfully lunatica Feb 2020 #18
This is part of the point of the survey EarlG Feb 2020 #21
OK lunatica Feb 2020 #25
Dummy me! I was not aware there was a "search" feature on DU. Thus, unfortunately, I cornball 24 Feb 2020 #19
Some of the questions ask whether you use search or not -- EarlG Feb 2020 #20
I mainly use it to make sure I don't dupe someone else's post. Nt Quixote1818 Feb 2020 #24
+1! Rhiannon12866 Feb 2020 #42
I also use the mobile version on my tablet 90% of the time. Did not even know there was a search c-rational Feb 2020 #22
Done nt Quixote1818 Feb 2020 #23
I use it. Sometimes have to play with word selection to find applicable topics on DU. keithbvadu2 Feb 2020 #26
Shoot... happybird Feb 2020 #27
This methodology WAY skews your sample. Poeraria Feb 2020 #29
How should it be done? Ptah Feb 2020 #32
If the research question is, "how DUers react to..." Poeraria Feb 2020 #33
Done! Good luck with the survey! Docreed2003 Feb 2020 #31
Hi Lithos! Happy to help - done! NRaleighLiberal Feb 2020 #36
I tried to use the search function a few times murielm99 Feb 2020 #39
Thanks, EarlG, I'd be happy to help Rhiannon12866 Feb 2020 #43
I just did the survey. greatauntoftriplets Feb 2020 #44
I think this was the first online survey I've completed in years. jcmaine72 Feb 2020 #47
Done. The only nit I might pick would be that I had to sometimes ... 11 Bravo Feb 2020 #48
Done. n/t Stand and Fight Feb 2020 #49
I don't use the search function very often. My prime reason if to check to see if something napi21 Feb 2020 #51
Done. nt Mike 03 Feb 2020 #53
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