Choosing a chunk type

One important design principle for cutting information into chunks is that the chunks should be small and well-defined. Assuming that the network can deliver a new chunk without too much delay, and assuming that it is easier to chase a link than to scroll down the screen, it is better to divide a large section into pieces small enough that each will fit on a screen.

Chunking is also good psychology. It's easier to deal with one idea at a time. So, put one idea on a page, and let the reader absorb that idea, and then follow a link to get the next one.

Here are some of the commoner types of chunks:

• A ``leaf'' chunk imparts one well-defined packet of information. See `Designing a leaf chunk'.
• A ``routing'' chunk lets the reader choose among two or more places to go next. See `Designing a routing chunk'.
• If you are presenting a step-by-step procedure, see `Chunking procedures'.

John Shipman, john@nmt.edu Last updated: 1995/12/19 18:39:54 UT URL: http://www.nmt.edu/tcc/help/html/chunktypes.html