Modeling Hypermedia-Based Communication

TL;DR

This paper introduces a general system-theoretic model for hypermedia-based communication, challenging classical frameworks and providing formulas that align with online data, with implications for information system design.

Contribution

It presents a novel, mathematically interpreted model of hypermedia communication that generalizes existing laws and offers new insights for system design.

Findings

The model aligns with online communication data.

It generalizes the Zipf-Mandelbrot law.

Provides formulas useful for information system design.

Abstract

In this article, we explore two approaches to modeling hypermedia-based communication. It is argued that the classical conveyor-tube framework is not applicable to the case of computer- and Internet- mediated communication. We then present a simple but very general system-theoretic model of the communication process, propose its mathematical interpretation, and derive several formulas, which qualitatively and quantitatively accord with data obtained on-line. The devised theoretical results generalize and correct the Zipf-Mandelbrot law and can be used in information system design. At the paper's end, we give some conclusions and draw implications for future work.