Hypermedia structures and systems

Hypertext systems are emerging as a new class of complex information management systems. These systems allow people to create, annotate, link together, and share information from a variety of media such as text, graphics, audio, video, animation, and programs.

"Hypertext systems provide a non-sequential and entirely new method of accessing information unlike traditional information systems which are primarily sequential in nature. They provide flexible access to information by incorporating the notions of navigation, annotation, and tailored presentation." [Bieber, 1993]

Subjects that will be discussed are:

• Issues related to hypertext implementation.
• Database requirements for hypertext systems.
• User interface issues and evaluation of hypertext.
• Information retrieval in hypertext systems.
• Research efforts in the area of integrating hypertext with the work environment.
• Some of the applications for which the hypertext paradigm is most suitable.
• A systematic approach to user interface design for a hypertext system. It is an attempt to apply some of the ideas discussed in earlier chapters.