
Interface with hypertext
Interface with hypertext is an enchanting topic in and of itself. It comes into being from matching human ability with infinite dimensions of hypertext. Different hypertexts morph into different intermediaries between us and hypertexts.
Most often we use Graphical User Interface (GUI), because vision has most dimensions of all our sensory systems. Other limitations are the smallness of our short-term memory, fragile ability to direct and maintain attention, and a whole lot more. As a result, we can only see and interact with a small piece that represents the whole of hypertext.
How to make the most of that piece? The solution is to visualize hypertext on screen through a metaphor, or a symbolic representation.
Depending on the nature of a hypertext, we can always find an interface metaphor for it. For instance, a panoramic image of a library interior may provide the backdrop for a virtual model of the library with access points to reference, catalog, databases, and even shelves and digitized books.
As another example, geographic maps are strong metaphors to describe and provide access to diverse information.
Visualization of abstract information is achieved by other means, such as concept maps, hierarchical trees, diagrams, and 3D models.
Creation of interfaces is an art form, and as its tools and materials grow in complexity, it involves us deeper and deeper in hypertext.
