The making of an information retrieval interface

The design for three information retrieval interfaces, or `front ends,´ are reviewed. The interfaces, IIDA, OAK and OAK II, were intended to assist end-users, the infrequent users who are not expected to learn or retain knowledge of a full command language, yet who want to perform database searches on their own. The principal design features, reasons for most design decisions, user reaction and projections for future interface designs are discussed