Developing hypermedia systems: avoiding hyperchaos.

Abstract

Hypermedia systems allow storage of huge collections of information from a wide variety of sources and afford immediate and random access to the collections. While providing unprecedented possibilities for storing and disseminating information, hypermedia systems have the potential to confuse the developer and the user alike with a multitude of intricacies. When hypermedia are being used in the teaching/learning process, they can cause cognitive overload and disorientation, if not designed properly. One way to resolve these problems is to develop system and content flowcharts. Although developing system and content flowcharts seems to be time-consuming work, it saves time and energy over the long run. Furthermore, it promotes efficiency.