Hypertext and expert systems: the possibilities for integration

Abstract

Expert systems are knowledge-based reasoning systems which attempt to capture the expertise and problem-solving abilities of a human expert within a fairly narrow field. Human problem-solving is characterised by the ability to handle unexpected events and to approach problems in a variety of ways, reorganising information and adjusting strategies to suit new situations. Hypertext systems are also knowledge-based systems in which chunks of information are linked together in a non-sequential way thus providing the vehicle for intuitive, non-linear access to information which more closely resembles intelligent human behaviour. From these descriptions it would seem that the integration of these two complementary technologies should lead to more ‘intelligent’ problem-solving and information systems. The aim of such integration being to maximise joint performance and to achieve synergy — an integrated system which is greater than the sum of its parts. Hypertext can be viewed in two ways: as a method of conveying information or as a ‘system glue’ for linking computer systems to each other or to a user. These approaches give rise to very different types of system and three distinct types of hybrid hypertext/expert system are identified. The paper considers whether such hybrid systems can be used to solve some of the problems which are found to occur with expert system interfaces or whether the combination of two technologies compounds one set of problems with another.