User navigation behavior of a selective dissemination of web information service

Nowadays it becomes a challenge for a user to be able to both effectively filter information and proactively grasp new information on the web. To this end, Selective Dissemination of Web Information (SDWI) service in this study is conceptualized as a new way of information delivery. Using RSS service as a test platform, the study attempts to explore how users navigate the large amount of information from RSS. The study used screen logging and interview methods. The preliminary findings show that the participants demonstrate a quick screening reading style, since near 70% time and 90% moving were related to filtering and browsing contents in RSS readers, while only 30% time and 10% moving were concerned with reading source pages. The study further categorizes five different navigation patterns according to the depth of reading and navigation. The paper concludes that SDWI would receive more attention in information related research and applications.