Empirically-based re-design of a hypertext encyclopedia

Abstract

This paper reports on the processes used and guidelines discovered in re-designing the user interface of the hypertext encyclopedia, HyperHolmes. The re-design was based on the outcomes of a previous experiment and was evaluated experimentally. Results showed that the new system resulted in superior performance and somewhat different styles of navigation compared to the old system and to paper. The study provides empirical support for design guidelines relating to tiled windows, navigation tools, graphics and hierarchical navigation.