Abstract

As a way of identifying users' image needs for improved effectiveness of image search, there have been recent research approaches to examine contextual factors in image needs with multiple perspectives. In this line of research, this study examined a total of 70 unsuccessful image searches for the purpose of investigating users' image needs. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, in particular, the characteristics of image needs, contextual factors on image needs, and image queries were investigated. The findings of this study demonstrated that information needs from the failed image searches are categorized primarily into specific and general/nameable categories. More importantly, these information needs are embedded with multiple contextual factors, primarily, task purpose and use purpose. With an analysis of detailed use purposes for image, illustration use was found most in this data set. For query analysis, the type of unique/refined image query was revealed primarily. As the results of this study were found similar to the findings of previous studies, it is possible to characterize the image needs from the failed image searches. In addition, the findings of this study are expected to be useful to the design and service of image retrieval.