Customisation of Internet Multimedia Information Systems Design through User Modelling

Abstract

Internet multimedia information systems have become widespread in business and educational settings. However, much remains to be identified about how different users perceive such systems. Therefore, it is essential to build robust user models to illustrate how multimedia features are experienced by different users. Multimedia research suggests cognitive and interpersonal styles have a significant effect on the users’ navigation patterns and interaction behaviour. In particular, gender difference, prior knowledge, and cognitive styles have been extensively examined in previous studies. The findings of the research review that has been done as part of this chapter are classified into three themes: (a) content information and presentation, (b) information space navigation and accessibility, and (c) user interfaces and support. A user model is then developed as a result of the analysis of the findings. Finally, implications for the design of Internet multimedia information systems are discussed.