An object-oriented design approach for developing hypermedia information systems

Abstract

Hypermedia system design is a difficult process, mainly because of the lack of high-level hypermedia design models and support tools. The approach presented herein is intended to solve this problem. Its main elements are the Enhanced Object-Relationship Model and two support tools for schema design and graphical user-interface (GUI) design, all based on a common object-oriented database system. The approach leads to schemas that will serve as design specifications; it can be used for documentation purposes; it paves the way for reuse of hypermedia designs; it allows integration with other object-oriented systems and non-object-oriented systems; and it can lead to systems where the main interaction style is based on hypermedia linking. Finally, the approach offers a foundation for a unique combination of a high-level hypermedia design methodology and reusable designs, which is expected to have a major impact on the future use of hypermedia in information systems.