Readers can kinesthetically determine where they are within print documents because "the physical artifact instantly reveals the work's general dimensions" (Bernstein, 1995, p. 44). With hypertext documents, readers cannot easily imagine either the size or complexity of the entire document.
This inability to perceive an entire document has several implications for hypertext authoring. As a hypertext writer, you should:
Cue readers to help them determine where they are within a document
at any given moment.
Readers are properly oriented in your document when they can identify the content presented, the location of the content within the larger body of information, and the navigation options.
The effective use of labels (as in page titles, headings, and subheadings) can help readers remain oriented in your document. Succinct but precise labels with the most important words appearing first are ideal.
Provide organizational cues (such as tables of contents, headings,
and indexes).
These devices work toward promoting a reader-friendly space. They also require that you learn and apply new skills to create a quality product. Learning effective Web page design skills helps you integrate these elements into a cohesive whole.
Anticipate probable paths readers might follow and structure
the document with the reader's goals in mind.
Which associations would benefit your readers? Let your readers' needs, expectations, and interests guide your link choices.
Provide clearly worded links so readers can easily move about
the hypertext and even exit gracefully.
Readers use links as guideposts in scanning and navigating your document, so take full advantage of them and write your links accordingly. Effective links also create adequate context for readers and help prevent reader disorientation.
Apply consistent visual design strategies throughout the hypertext.
A hypertext document can achieve visual consistency, for instance, through the consistent placement of navigation links, and the use of color and icons to identify different sections.
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Last Updated: May 2, 2001
(c)2000 by Alysson Troffer. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce or redistribute any material from this document, in whole or in part, without written permission.