Information Access is all about the interfaces

Just read this post on Beyond Search about the difference between Google/Apple interfaces and other interfaces in the enterprise that give you access to information. The Image is below.

This funny little comic states what I have always said when talking about interfaces that must help people to find information. They must be simple, yet powerfull.

In my opinion is it necessary to start a dialog based on the initial search. Compare it with a store that you go and ask the sales person "I want a gift". Based on that query, search engines would respond with "0 results". A "gift" is not concrete enough.

The sales person would start asking you questions: "For what occasion?", "Is it for a woman or a man?", etc.

So: Start simple and guide the searching person through the possible answers.