Suchschritten

Suchschritten is a term used in information science to describe the sequence of cognitive and interaction steps that users undertake during a search session. A coined German compound from suchen (to search) and Schritte (steps), Suchschritten is used to analyze how search intents are refined, how queries are reformulated, and how results are evaluated before actions are taken.

In practice, Suchschritten encompasses stages such as the initial query formulation, observation of early results, reformulation or expansion of the query, exploratory browsing of sources, critical evaluation of candidate results, and a decision to persist, modify, or abandon the search. The concept foregrounds the temporal, iterative nature of searching, emphasizing decision points where users reframe goals or switch strategies.

Relation to other concepts: Suchschritten is related to information-seeking behavior, information foraging theory, and search-user modeling. It is distinct from generic phrases like “search steps” by focusing on the sequence and transitions between steps within a session, rather than isolated actions alone.

Methods and applications: Researchers study Suchschritten with think-aloud protocols, screen capture, and log analysis to identify common step sequences and triggers. The resulting models inform the design of search interfaces, result presentation, and assistance features intended to guide users through complex tasks.

Criticism and scope: Some researchers argue that Suchschritten can be context-sensitive and culturally influenced, limiting cross-task generalizability. Operationalizing the concept for automated systems remains a challenge. See also: Information-seeking behavior, search process, information foraging theory, query expansion, user modeling.