Applications: Project Jefferson and IBIS 1. Project Jefferson: The objective of Project Jefferson was to create a research and writing tool for freshmen English classes at USC that would put information resources into an accessible, integrated environment which would allow a researcher (system user) to focus on evaluation and synthesis of information rather than on seeking and gathering information. The researchers found that although the present is often characterized as an "Information Age" where independent, individualized learning is possible through electronic access to a vast information network, little evidence exists that this is happening. The project culminated in the installation of a prototype system built around a Hypercard (Apple Computer Corp.) shell. The hypertext prototype has been made available to other university teaching environments for adaptation and evaluation (Chignell and Lacy, 1988). ***** 2. Issue Based Information System (IBIS): The researchers developed a hypertext shell called the "Issue Based Information System" (IBIS). This effort represented an attempt to create an environment that would be suitable for interdisciplinary collaboration. The assembly of the IBIS system was based on the principle that the design process for complex problem resolution is fundamentally an interdisciplinary dialogue among participants who hold a particular interest (stake) in the issues under consideration. These "stakeholders" use the IBIS environment to exchange information, share perspectives, and pool their expertise in addressing design issues and resolving strategic differences (Begeman and Conklin, 1988). Hypertext Introduction Three Principles of Good Hypertext Application: IPIS-Hypertext