Facilitated hypertext for collective sensemaking

TLDR

Hypertext research from the 1980s–1990s aimed at concept maps, but cognitive overhead and inflexibility limited sustained use, leading many to dismiss the approach. This paper outlines Compendium, a hypertext facilitator that integrates technical and social dimensions to improve meetings and capture group memory in real time. Compendium builds on the gIBIS system, evolving into a broader collective sensemaking framework that supports real‑time hypertext interaction. The authors show that Compendium mitigates learning and adoption barriers, enabling hypertext sensemaking tools to establish roots in organizational practice.

Abstract

This paper outlines the technical and social dimensions to a hypertext tool that has been successfully used in organizational settings to improve meetings, and capture group memory in real time. The approach derives from hypertext research systems from the mid-1980s-90s which sought to manipulate conceptual structures as hypertextual concept maps. However, many did not receive sustained use due to issues of cognitive overheads and representational inflexibility. Many decided that such tools would never fulfill their promise. The gIBIS system exemplified this early work, but has since evolved into a broader approach to collective sensemaking called Compendium. We outline Compendium, which demonstrates the impact that a hypertext facilitator can have on the learning and adoption problems that often ambush hypertext sensemaking tools before they have the chance to establish roots in work practice.