Issues in modeling a “dynamic” hypertext interface for non-hypertext systems
Michael P. Bieber · 1991
Many hypertext systems are primarily "static" systems that were designed specifically to apply a hypertext interface to a particular domain.For us, hypertext is a tool for augmenting "dynamic", non-hypertext information systems such as decision support systems and expert systems.Many information systems require a dynamic implementation of hypertext, one that relies primarily on virtual structures and computation to generate a hypertext network in real time.This paper explores the demands our dynamic view of hypertext makes on hypertext standards from two angles.First, what coordination is necessary to establish a dynamic hypertext interface to an arbitrary front-end or back-end information system?Here we introduce the concept of bridge laws to map application components to hypertext structures.Second, how does a dynamic view of hypertext affect document interchange among hypertext systems and between a hypertext and non-hypertext systems?