Towards Semantic Search for Improved Decision-Making

Search applications empower users by simple and quick access to information. However, there is also a significant amount of multi-query sessions originating from a necessity to make a decision, for instance, decide which place to visit. Consequently, the ultimate value of the information provided by a search engine is directly related to the quality of the decision made. Most of current search systems focus on providing a ranked list of information sources relevant to a user’s query, while high quality decision-making is characterized by an explicit account on feasible alternatives, reliable information, and clear trade-offs. In this paper we outline our vision on how decision-making can be enabled by enhanced Web search.