The key function of ASK systems is to help users get the information they need to solve their problems as easily as possible. The key method is that of visual navigation. We want users to say, in effect: "The information I want ought to be near here." The idea of information being nearby usually only works for books, where "nearby" has a physical interpretation. What we want in a computer is to give "nearby" a conceptual interpretation. Follow ups or next logical ideas should be nearby. Finding information should be as easy as getting to the generally right location and looking around. If the clips are properly organized--clips that oppose and elaborate on similar subjects, or are about similar themes with different subjects, etc.--they will make themselves visually known, so that a user can continue a natural conversation.
Take me to the outline for the book
