What is an Analogue for the Semantic Web and Why is Having One Important?

This paper postulates that for the Semantic Web to grow and gain input from fields that will surely benefit it, it needs to develop an analogue that will help people not only understand what it is, but what the potential opportunities are that are enabled by these new protocols. The model proposed in the paper takes the way that Web interaction has been framed as a baseline to inform a similar analogue for the Semantic Web. While the Web has been represented as a Page + Links, the paper presents the argument that the Semantic Web can be conceptualized as a Notebook + Memex. The argument considers how this model also presents new challenges for fundamental human interaction with computing, and that hypertext models have much to contribute to this new understanding for distributed information systems

Towards Multi-Modal Interactions in Virtual Environments: A Case Study

We present research on visualization and interaction in a realistic model of an existing theatre. This existing ‘Muziek¬centrum’ offers its visitors information about performances by means of a yearly brochure. In addition, it is possible to get information at an information desk in the theatre (during office hours), to get information by phone (by talking to a human or by using IVR). The database of the theater holds the information that is available at the beginning of the ‘theatre season’. Our aim is to make this information more accessible by using multi-modal accessible multi-media web pages. A more general aim is to do research in the area of web-based services, in particu¬lar interactions in virtual environments

Exploring users’ behavioral model in Web 2.0 applications - The moderating effects of hedonic versus utilitarian motivations

The Web 2.0 trend has enhanced the overwhelming demand for more pervasive human space in online social interaction. Therefore, it is imperative for the practitioners of Web 2.0 websites to understand users’ motivations to participate and develop specific services to stimulate a long-term usage. This study has proposed a research model that explores the factors affecting users’ intentions to use Web 2.0 applications. In addition, user’s usage motivations (i.e. hedonic versus utilitarian) are also compared. The results revealed that users’ intentions to use Web 2.0 applications is influenced by usefulness, ease of use, enjoyment, and social presence. In addition, users’ hedonic versus utilitarian motivations has the moderating influences on the research model