SearchLog: A Web Browser Extension for Capturing Search Logs in Laboratory Studies

2026-06-03

AI Summary

This work addresses the lack of tools for structured logging of user behavior in naturalistic search scenarios within laboratory studies. It proposes SearchLog, a system built on a browser extension coupled with a local Flask backend, which enables real-time capture of multidimensional user interactions during controlled experiments on the open web. The system records queries, clicks, scrolling, hovering, tab switches, and HTML snapshots, and—critically—supports synchronized logging of full interaction streams across both traditional and AI-enhanced search interfaces, such as those featuring AI-generated summaries. SearchLog produces high-quality, structured JSON event logs that facilitate analysis of key behavioral metrics including query reformulation, dwell time, scrolling patterns, and search path complexity, thereby offering a reusable data infrastructure for research in information retrieval and human-computer interaction.

Abstract

Natural search logs are valuable for studying search behavior in information seeking settings. We present SearchLog, an easy-to-install web browser extension for collecting natural search logs during lab-based studies. SearchLog allows participants to search the open web using a browser while recording structured interaction data across mouse, keyboard, search activity, and browser state modules. The extension captures clicks, scrolling, hovered text, typed words, search queries, result rankings, AI-generated summaries when available, tab activity, and window changes. A local Flask backend stores each session as an ordered JSON event stream, with HTML snapshots and preprocessed search result data for later analysis. These logs can be used to derive measures such as query reformulation, page visits, dwell time, scroll behavior, tab switching, search path complexity, and exposure to AI-generated search content. By supporting natural browser-based search with structured experimental metadata, SearchLog provides a reusable resource to study search behavior across traditional and AI-enhanced search interfaces.

Problem

• search logs
• information seeking
• search behavior
• laboratory studies
• browser-based search

Innovation

• search log
• browser extension
• user interaction logging
• AI-enhanced search
• structured event stream