Understanding the Intent Behind Mobile Information Needs

Mobile phones are becoming increasingly popular as a means of information access while on-the-go. Mobile users are likely to be interested in locating different types of content. However, the mobile space presents a number of key challenges, many of which go beyond issues with device characteristics such as screen-size and input capabilities. In particular, changing contexts such as location, time, activity and social interactions are likely to impact on the types of information needs that arise. In order to offer personalized, effective mobile services we need to understand mobile users in more detail. Thus we carried out a four-week diary study of mobile information needs, looking in particular at the goal/intent behind mobile information needs, the topics users are interested in and the impact of mobile contexts such as location and time on user needs.