Abstract: This paper describes early experiences and implications of web hypertexts, which are literarily layered on top of existing web contents. Whereas traditional hypertexts cite and refer to other texts, in layered hypertexts, the texts that are talked about are visible at the same time as the added narrative layer. This allows the author not just to cite and describe contents, but also to refer to and comment on contents that the reader also can see at the same time. Layered texts can also form paths, by associating different pages with each other, and create links between them. Here, I describe layered web tours, layered blogging, and layered discussions. The concepts described here are currently being tested and prototyped using the shapeCMS content management system. In this paper, I exemplify how layered hypertexts can be used, and discuss the possibilities provided by layered annotations and paths. Future studies might show how other people will experience and make use of layered hypertexts.
Lundberg, J. (2006). Layered hypertexts - Adding a new narrative dimension to the web. Proceedings of The Virtual 2006 - Designing Digital Experience, 14-16 september 2006, Stockolm, Sweden. [pdf]