Formal methods for evaluating information retrieval in hypertext systems

Abstract

One common method for organizing and retrieving information is hypertext. Hypertext users can search for information by selecting association links from one item to another, following an association trail towards the information they seek. This paper examines the nature of association searches in hypertext systems and proposes a formal model that can be used to evaluate information retrieval from hypertext documents. One of the main motivations for the development of a hypertext search model is that it can be used to influence the early design of a system or document. For example, each time a new design of a hypertext system or document is created, the model could be used to estimate the information retrieval time of users. The model we present can be used to determine the time needed to find specific information in hypertext documents, based on the structure of the document, the experience level of the user, and the design of the hypertext system's user interface. A preliminary set of empirical observations is described that reveals the strengths and limitations of our model.