User Mental Model of Hypermedia System

Within the broad field of human-computer interaction, concept of mental model has long been employed in the discussion and design of hypermedia system. Although still with varying interpretations, it is now sufficiently important to warrant a formal and precise deifnition. In this article, an overview is presented of related works in user's mental model of hypermedia system over the last 20 years. These works include the topology of hypermedia system, a framework for navigation in hypermedia system and user's schemata measurement. Inevitably, much must be omitted, but the referenced papers may fill some of the gaps. Finally, after summarizing the fur aspects of study on mental model, a conclusion and some of the future study opportunities are noted.