Comparative Hypertext Approaches to Ergonomic Training

Training users to utilize ergonomic information effectively in workplace design requires the application and integration of multiple sources of information (e.g., interdependent criteria for furniture adjustability and keyboard/display location). To aid users in coping with such a complex task, the use of hypertext representation of complex documents is increasing. However, when searching in a complex hypertext application, users may experience navigation disorientation and cognitive overload. This study examined the relative effectiveness of a semantic relationship for a hypertext interface, and the relationship between semantic representations and complexity of search task. The goal was to design a more effective hypertext interface for complex documents in support of users' problem solving.