Addressing universal access in social networks: an inclusive search mechanism

Author(s)

dos Reis, Julio Cesar ^{[1, 2]} ; Bonacin, Rodrigo ^{[3, 4]} ; Baranauskas, M. Cecilia C. ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Publ Res Ctr Henri Tudor, Resource Ctr Hlth Care Technol SANTEC, L-4362 Esch Sur Alzette - Luxembourg

^[2] Univ Paris 11, Lab Comp Sci LRI, PCRI, F-91405 Orsay - France

^[3] Fac Campo Limpo Paulista FACCAMP, BR-13231230 Campo Limpo Paulista, SP - Brazil

^[4] Ctr Informat Technol Renato Archer, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[5] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Comp, Dept Informat Syst, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: UNIVERSAL ACCESS IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY; v. 13, n. 2, p. 125-145, JUN 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Social network services (SNSs) have brought new possibilities and challenges to the design of software environments that respect people's cultural differences. These systems may represent an opportunity for social and digital inclusion. However, search mechanisms in these systems impose serious barriers for people in the process of acquiring digital literacy. One of the barriers is the difficulty of using the adequate terms/keywords to perform content searches. This paper presents an approach to allow ordinary, non-technology proficient people to access the content of a network through the use of search parameters that make sense to them. The proposal is grounded on Semantic Web technologies (Web ontology) combined with Organizational Semiotics concepts and methods to identify the users' profile and language. A case study was conducted with the search mechanism integrated into a SNS, and a preliminary evaluation reveals the advantages and drawbacks of the approach. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/54564-1 - E-cidadania: systems and methods for the constitution of a culture mediated by information and communication technology
• Grantee: Maria Cecilia Calani Baranauskas
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants