Web Interface Design based on Cognitive Maps: Generative Dynamics in Information Architecture

The paper is aimed to introduce the application of the Cognitive Maps concept to the web design interfaces Cognitive Maps allows the graphical representation of the information architecture highlighting the hierarchies, the nodes the physical (hypertextual) and conceptual connections between site contents. The interaction with the Information is based on a generative dynamics of ryzomatic connections where the cognitive and perceptive richness Human User is evident, giving a more direct representation than the usual static structure tree. Multimedia Authoring software tools (as in example Macromedia Flash) are exploited to produce Multimodal cognitive Maps. The experimental Project Designing-X (design of a biomorphic Web Site) shows a practical, specific realization of the concepts the paper is based on.