Automatic generation of instructional hypermedia with APHID

This research investigates the use of patterns in designing adaptable, flex ible hypermedia applications. While patterns are particularly applicable to software design, they can also be used to assist designers of other types of applications. We have developed a method (APHID) that guides a hypermedi a creator through the analysis and design process. The method ensures that good design principles are followed, both for the hypermedia application an d for the interface that presents the hypermedia application. Our method us es a concept map, constraints, and patterns (instructional and presentation ) to support partial automation for creating hypermedia applications. We al so present a prototype software system that uses the APHID method to create instructional hypermedia applications semi-automatically. The applications created using APHID are tailored to specific types of learners. We conclud e with a claim that this approach is applicable not just to instructional h ypermedia, but to the larger problem of generating adaptable interfaces. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd All rights reserved.