Hypertext reading: novice vs. expert reading

This paper discusses some differences between linear reading and reading in hypertext, a non‐linear medium. The investigations of hypertext form part of a research project on the design and use of multimedia systems, and hypertext in particular, for assessing planning applications for large scale building developments, such as chemical plants which are subject to the Air Pollution Laws (Immissionsschutzgesetz). The key question treated here is whether hypertext makes it easier to read and assess such planning applications for experts (officials of the regional government and advisers to interest groups) and for lay people who may be objectors (such as members of ecology groups or those living in the neighbourhood). The development and testing of a hypertext system for this purpose involves considering the literature in psychology on cognitive differences between reading conventional and hypertext documents and on advantages and disadvantages of hypertext. From the literature review and from interview data, it is concluded that hypertext has fewer benefits in this situation than it appears to promise; while there are some advantages for experts, who nevertheless also need to apply conventional reading strategies to conventional paper texts, it is of limited use to the lay non‐experts who have an interest in planning inquiries.