Real and Virtual Spaces: Mapping from Spatial Cognition to Hypertext

Abstract

Parallels arc frequently drawn between navigating through everyday spatial environments and information systems, hypertexts being a particular case in point. This paper examines the cognitive mapping theory often borrowed implicitly from spatial cognition research, which has a bearing on the appropriateness of using spatial imagery in hypertext. Conceptual differences between euclidean and virtual spaces are identified, and ways considered in which to make information spaces more coherent. A demonstration hypertext browser is described, incorporating some of the cognitive principles discussed.