Spatial metaphors and disorientation in hypertext browsing

Abstract

The spatial metaphor can be used as a framework for explaining and designing tools that alleviate disorientation problems in hypertext systems. The approach based on this metaphor would involve developing tools analogous to navigational aids in physical environments and applying analogous concepts from research on human spatial processing and navigation in physical spaces. Research on hypertext browsing with respect to the spatial metaphor is reviewed and contrasted with the larger task context where users are trying to explore, learn, analyse, and summarize the contents of the hypertext space.