Applying Information Visualisation Techniques to Spatial Hypertext Tools

Organising information is an important knowledge work activity that is frequently used in the work place and at home. Even though this task is an every day activity, it is nontrivial. Some tools exist that take advantage of our spatial and visual intelligence, but have some difficulties with creating a satisfying visualisation for the information. Visualisations built by users may not show the information in the most useful way, so important facts may not emerge in time, or at all. Information visualisation suggests possible methods by which to visualise various types of information. However, it focuses on existing and explicit structures. This paper suggests combining spatial hypertext with information visualisation techniques to allow users to organise their information more effectively.