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EarlG

(21,934 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!)

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
Can you spare a moment to help a DUer with their research project? (And help DU!) (Original Post) EarlG Feb 2020 OP
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

pansypoo53219

(20,952 posts)
1. luddite. apple user. math free idiot. not sure i am worthy help.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:07 PM
Feb 2020

Mopar151

(9,974 posts)
38. DIY Racer, R&D Machinist, Working supervisor, manufacturing engineer
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 01:01 AM
Feb 2020

and, at the end of my career, full Gimp, runnin ' a bridgeport/prototrak, from a stool manning the "re-engineering, rework, and howdidja do THAT!" spot.

Please don't call yourself a Luddite. The Sons of Ned Ludd may have feared the power loom, but it was bigotry fueled and funded by fear.

Mopar151

(9,974 posts)
46. Oh, Yeah - have major interest in the project!!!
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 12:56 PM
Feb 2020

Basically, I've spent decades in technology watching well dressed mental defectives belittle workers (like "toolmakers", "master machinists", "industrial electricans" and the 75 known species of medical techs and specialists) by bullying them like the "mean girls".
Odd Girl out explains most of it, very well. My addendum to the science?

Around the time that puberty hardens muscle, the beaten down male victims of bullying develop lethal capability, and incredible motivation to acquire same. Testosterone, isn't the cause, but it's a hot cam and tuned exhaust for hard muscle and not takin no more shit!
So, the bully faces a choice: give up the sport he loves *, or undergo a "sex change" in his bullying style. Can't be a "good man" if you'll volunteer to cut off your own nuts, in order to keep yelling " NO BALLS FOR YOU" anytime they see a "pride" flag. So, the sportsmen who wish to continue, embrace the femininine style of brutality to enforce their vision of masculinity.

(Authentic language warning for bigotry, irony, and sarcasam) "So, ta beat up FAGGITS, you got to be worse of a FAGGIT! What the fuck, that's so unfair!!!!" ) Get ahold of yerself, there, III (Trey). Stop proclaiming that gay-bashing is love, when it's really misanthropic BDSM. Now, get yourself cleaned up and squared away. The goofy kid you were "on about" last semester, did his "Aggie" time on a hay crew, and if he sees you in the wrong light, you'll wish he'd gone to advanced karate.

pansypoo53219

(20,952 posts)
50. i am old school forever. i mostly look at estatesales.com + watch classic dr who.
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 06:55 PM
Feb 2020

used to play sheepshead on yahoo.

Mopar151

(9,974 posts)
55. The arc of the universe bends to QUALITY.
Wed Feb 5, 2020, 05:28 PM
Feb 2020

Got no time to jump start the shuttle next week. Let's check up on that.

lpbk2713

(42,736 posts)
2. I don't think I use "search" enough to give a reliable response to the survey.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:10 PM
Feb 2020


Thanks just the same.

Lithos

(26,403 posts)
6. Hi, I'm actually curious how you find things on the site without using "search" as well
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:22 PM
Feb 2020

One of my questions in the interview is:

Q7. Are there any challenges you have with finding posts on DU? If so, what are they and what did you do to overcome it?

It sounds like you have a major challenge with accessing via mobile device.

MoonlitKnight

(1,584 posts)
34. I just read what is next
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 11:39 PM
Feb 2020

I don’t go searching. I read based on the title and try to take a look through all of the latest and skip those that do not look interesting.

My question is how do you know what you are searching for? Do you see news elsewhere and are on a quest for a posting on DU? It seems like searching for tweets.

Lithos

(26,403 posts)
35. That's a fine answer
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 11:55 PM
Feb 2020

Everyone's use is different - there are no bad answers here.

When I'm talking about finding something - it could be trying to find a post or content you know about. An example might be finding the results of one of the photography contests, or one of the editorial images that EarlG makes from a few weeks back. Or, maybe finding a post you wanted to reply to. People do this differently and I'm trying to understand what works and what does not work. And if there are work-arounds what do they do?



Beartracks

(12,797 posts)
37. On a Kindle, the Search button/field doesn't even show up.
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 12:41 AM
Feb 2020

Kind of frustrating. (Safari browser, if that's important.),

========

Mosby

(16,258 posts)
52. You have to select desktop view.
Wed Feb 5, 2020, 12:19 PM
Feb 2020

Three dots in the top right corner.

Eta this is for the built in silk browser.

Beartracks

(12,797 posts)
54. Oh, wow. LOL Thank you!
Wed Feb 5, 2020, 12:57 PM
Feb 2020


===========

applegrove

(118,486 posts)
3. I search using google as i am on my cell phone and the search function doesn't render on my tiny
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:12 PM
Feb 2020

screen.

dweller

(23,612 posts)
4. i don't even know where the search button/function is
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:14 PM
Feb 2020

i've looked, but since i'm on my phone, not sure where it is
so i quit looking
🤔

✌🏼

dewsgirl

(14,961 posts)
12. This is my issue, I recently learned you have to change
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:51 PM
Feb 2020

the format, I think we both use the mobile format, therefore it's unavailable.

Rhiannon12866

(204,724 posts)
40. You can replicate Advanced Search on your phone
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 02:54 AM
Feb 2020

I figured out how. You can go to any Forum and click on Search This Forum, then change the Search parameters to whatever you want/need.

a kennedy

(29,615 posts)
5. I'm a DuckDuckGo searcher user.......
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:17 PM
Feb 2020

Maxheader

(4,370 posts)
7. Bravo!! Computer Science...
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:30 PM
Feb 2020

When your ready to start looking for a job go here...https://www.cjhunter.com/

Compared to permy/direct positions, contractors make more by a factor of 3...at least..

Luck!!...

blm

(113,008 posts)
8. Done
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:33 PM
Feb 2020

defacto7

(13,485 posts)
9. There are times I have wanted to use the search feature
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:38 PM
Feb 2020

and I did when I used my desktop more,
but if you're on a cell phone it's really tedious. First I have to switch to desktop mode just to access it, then zoom my screen in on the search function, do the search then switch back to moble mode which isn't exactly easy when the screen is compressed. The search just isn't there on the phone so I only use it in extreme circumstances.. whatever that is.
I'm glad to take the survey but as you can see I'm limited by my device.

Rhiannon12866

(204,724 posts)
41. I've managed to use Advanced Search on my phone.
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 02:56 AM
Feb 2020

You can go to any Forum and click on Search This Forum, then change the Search parameters to whatever you want/need. I'm not great with computers or my phone, but that works for me.

defacto7

(13,485 posts)
45. You know, I didn't notice...
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 12:03 PM
Feb 2020

I just look for the search box on the main page. Well there you go. Live and learn.

dewsgirl

(14,961 posts)
10. I use DU mobile version, so I really don't use the search function.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:49 PM
Feb 2020

It would be great if you could integrate it into the mobile platform.

Lithos

(26,403 posts)
11. How do you find things without an explicit search?
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:50 PM
Feb 2020

I am curious about how people do that as well...

L-

dewsgirl

(14,961 posts)
15. I use Google search, for example I'll search Trump disses
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:56 PM
Feb 2020

National Anthem Democratic Underground, it will pull up the most recent posting. Or I can change my settings, which personally I can't stand on my phone, I find it very hard to use.

tblue37

(65,218 posts)
28. I go to the Google search engine offsite. nt
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:21 PM
Feb 2020

tblue37

(65,218 posts)
30. I responded to the survey. Lithos also asks questions that are relevant to those who
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:23 PM
Feb 2020

don't use the search function at all, so he needs your responses, too.

BTW, it's a quick & easy survey.

flor-de-jasmim

(2,125 posts)
13. I haven't used the search capability more than 2-3 times. Sorry.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:54 PM
Feb 2020

cojoel

(953 posts)
14. I earned an MS in CS in 1982
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:54 PM
Feb 2020

I particularly remember a session with some IBM representatives who were showing off the then brand-new IBM PC to small groups of students at a time.

Much has changed since those days...

dweller

(23,612 posts)
16. look in a specific forum/group where it may be relevant
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 08:56 PM
Feb 2020

and flip through pages of posts, get lucky, or get tired and give up
pretty futile

✌🏼

TheBlackAdder

(28,167 posts)
17. Done
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:00 PM
Feb 2020

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
18. I tried to use the search function one, unsuccessfully
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:05 PM
Feb 2020

so I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to help.

EarlG

(21,934 posts)
21. This is part of the point of the survey
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:30 PM
Feb 2020

Lithos asks questions about whether you can use search successfully, so even if you can't, it will help him to know that.

lunatica

(53,410 posts)
25. OK
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:03 PM
Feb 2020

cornball 24

(1,474 posts)
19. Dummy me! I was not aware there was a "search" feature on DU. Thus, unfortunately, I
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:25 PM
Feb 2020

cannot participate in a survey.

EarlG

(21,934 posts)
20. Some of the questions ask whether you use search or not --
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:29 PM
Feb 2020

so even if you don't, it's still useful data. Thanks.

Quixote1818

(28,918 posts)
24. I mainly use it to make sure I don't dupe someone else's post. Nt
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:02 PM
Feb 2020

Rhiannon12866

(204,724 posts)
42. +1!
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 02:58 AM
Feb 2020

I use it for that as well.

c-rational

(2,588 posts)
22. I also use the mobile version on my tablet 90% of the time. Did not even know there was a search
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 09:52 PM
Feb 2020

function available. Not sure what help I could offer.

Quixote1818

(28,918 posts)
23. Done nt
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:00 PM
Feb 2020

keithbvadu2

(36,654 posts)
26. I use it. Sometimes have to play with word selection to find applicable topics on DU.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:11 PM
Feb 2020

I use it.

Sometimes have to play with word selection to find applicable topics on DU.

happybird

(4,588 posts)
27. Shoot...
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:16 PM
Feb 2020

I somehow accidentally submitted mine only halfway finished. I’m sorry. Should I do a new one or ??? Didn’t even get to the Search questions, which I assume are most important.

 

Poeraria

(219 posts)
29. This methodology WAY skews your sample.
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:22 PM
Feb 2020

Stop.
Go back.

Ptah

(33,019 posts)
32. How should it be done?
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:32 PM
Feb 2020
 

Poeraria

(219 posts)
33. If the research question is, "how DUers react to..."
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 11:22 PM
Feb 2020

Then your methodology is sound.

Docreed2003

(16,850 posts)
31. Done! Good luck with the survey!
Mon Feb 3, 2020, 10:25 PM
Feb 2020

NRaleighLiberal

(60,006 posts)
36. Hi Lithos! Happy to help - done!
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 12:22 AM
Feb 2020

murielm99

(30,715 posts)
39. I tried to use the search function a few times
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 02:19 AM
Feb 2020

and gave it up as a lost cause. Sorry.

Rhiannon12866

(204,724 posts)
43. Thanks, EarlG, I'd be happy to help
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 03:02 AM
Feb 2020

Since I'm on MIRT, I use Advanced Search all the time, if that helps, and it would be nice to give back to Lithos who has given a lot to DU.

greatauntoftriplets

(175,729 posts)
44. I just did the survey.
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 09:41 AM
Feb 2020

Always happy to help Lithos (as well as you guys).

jcmaine72

(1,773 posts)
47. I think this was the first online survey I've completed in years.
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 01:22 PM
Feb 2020

Then again, this was the first online survey in years I've been asked to complete by an individual, and not some company or other asking me all manner of personal questions pertaining to my finances and shopping habits.

At any rate, I hope I was able to help with your research. Best of luck to you!

11 Bravo

(23,926 posts)
48. Done. The only nit I might pick would be that I had to sometimes ...
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 03:01 PM
Feb 2020

select only because "seldom" wasn't an option.
But in any case, I'm glad to help, and I wish Lithos all the best in his endeavor.

Stand and Fight

(7,480 posts)
49. Done. n/t
Tue Feb 4, 2020, 03:10 PM
Feb 2020

napi21

(45,806 posts)
51. I don't use the search function very often. My prime reason if to check to see if something
Wed Feb 5, 2020, 12:54 AM
Feb 2020

I want to post in Breaking News has already been posted.

Mike 03

(16,616 posts)
53. Done. nt
Wed Feb 5, 2020, 12:30 PM
Feb 2020
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