A Manifesto for Hypermedia Usability Research

Abstract
Following a brief introductory review of existing findings, we discuss key aspects of hypermedia usability in the light of the differences, and similarities, between the design of hypermedia applications and that of more conventional user interfaces. Conversational interaction, techniques for visualisation of structure, considerations of relevance and importance, and the provision of selective views of knowledge bases are all considered. We then focus on the role of analogy and of dynamism in hypermedia interface design, with particular emphasis on the advantages and pitfalls of using metaphor. The concluding section summarises our manifesto for future hypermedia usability research.