Hypermedia – Identify objects
3.2 Identify all objects that constitute the system
In the hypertext framework based on the Structure of the Intellect model, both nodes and links can be considered as objects_. _Nodes are classified into six semantic types – detail, collection, proposition, summary, issue, and observation. Links are of two major types – Convergent and Divergent. Convergent links can be further classified into specification, membership, association, path, alternative, and inference links. Divergent links can be categorized into elaboration, opposition, speculation, branch, lateral, and extrapolation links. The emphasis of this framework is the association of semantics to nodes and links. Organizing nodes and links semantically helps manage the hypertext network and its sub-networks better. It would also help reduce ambiguity, disorientation, and cognitive overhead.
A collection node can be considered to be a composite node that can be comprised of details, propositions, summaries, issues, observations, and collections. A hypertext template can be considered as a collection node since it is defined as a set of pre-linked documents that can be duplicated [Catlin, 1991a]. The usage of a template will greatly speed up the process of an average user’s understanding of the model or the metaphor. Templates automate the process of creating hypertext collections by creating skeletons of documents and linking them. Without a template, a hypertext author will have to start constructing the hypertext collection of ideas from the beginning. Many applications such as collaborative writing, collaborative hypertext, teaching aids etc., will greatly benefit from the concept of a collection node or hypertext template.