How Hyperlink Navigation Works

Fran Adams

Reading books and magazines means turning pages, typically in sequential order. If we reference the book or magazine’s Table of Contents (ToC), we often jump directly to a specific section or page, normally based on a page number. Using electronic media, we have greater flexibility in moving between sections or specific pages, based on hyperlinks embedded in the document.

The System
Allowing movement between pages in more than only a linear direction (‘next’ or ‘previous’ page) requires a ‘navigation system’ and that is one of the basic and more noteworthy features of a Digital Philatelic Study (DPS) – see the article Defining Digital Philately.

We should also make our ‘navigation system’ reasonably obvious and most importantly, its functions simple to use. The ‘navigation system’ becomes a constantly visible and available ToC without having to go back to the beginning of the document.

Keeping in mind we want easy access between main ‘Sections’, we’ll use embedded hyperlinks to move from one ‘Section’ to another. The hyperlinks will appear on every page so that movement is always possible using hyperlinks found in the same place each time we need them. Many times, hyperlinks are embedded in the navigation buttons we press on web sites and we don’t even think about the programming beneath the image’s surface.

Linking Sections Together.

Each hyperlink has a single function. Simply put, clicking on the hyperlink takes the viewer to a specific ‘Section’ (or page) in the study. If properly labeled, the destination should be clear – before clicking the hyperlink.

We can also embed hyperlinks within content text or images to move to specific ‘Pages’ or external documents and we’ll use this method of movement as well.

It’s reasonably easy to include hyperlinks and the greater the number, the easier it is to access all sections of the DPS and to relate various pieces of information to other relative data or documents.

Verifying Function
Let’s check how our navigation system works. On individual sheets of paper, make sample pages for each main ‘Section’ (as well as ‘sub-sections’ as desired) of your DPS. Arrange the sheets according to our pyramid layout, see the article Structure and Organization), ‘Title’ at the top, ‘Introduction’ underneath, etc.

Inter-linking Subjects Together.

Each sheet should have a ‘Section’ (or ‘sub-section’) name and the appropriate hyperlinks on it. Pretend to press a hyperlink name on one of the pages.

Done correctly, we should be able to move between any two main ‘Sections’ (or ‘sub-sections’) of the study with a click of the mouse button.

Eureka – it works. Congratulations!! You’ve just created a hyperlinked navigation system.

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