One way to determine the effectiveness of hypertext is to evaluate its usability with actual readers. Jakob Nielsen (1995) offers five parameters of hypertext usability (pp. 283-284) that writers should consider. An effective hypertext is:
Easy to learn
When a hypertext is easy to learn, readers quickly understand its navigation options and other basic commands to locate information. They also can easily learn the basic structure of the hypertext network. Moreover, each topic in the network contains information that is easy to read.
Efficient to use
When a hypertext is efficient to use, readers can find information quickly, or at least soon discover that what they seek in not present in the network. Also, when readers arrive at a topic, they can quickly orient themselves and understand its meaning as it relates to their point of departure.
Easy to remember
When a hypertext is easy to remember, readers can return after some time away and still recall its general structure. In other words, they can still find their way around the network. They can also recognize landmark topics and special conventions used for these topics as well as links.
Nearly error-free
When readers experience few errors with a hypertext, they rarely follow a link only to find they did not really want to go there. Even if readers do erroneously follow a link, they can easily return to their previous location. In addition, readers can easily return to any previous location if they decide to abandon some lengthy digression.
Pleasant to use
When a hypertext is pleasant to use, readers are subjectively
satisfied with using the network. They are rarely frustrated or
disappointed when following links. Moreover, rather than feeling
constrained, they feel in control and that they can freely traverse
the network.
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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.