Synoptic Mode

The synoptic mode of hypertext provides a general picture of the whole. For example, in a hypertext, the author can provide a high-level overview of a subject, the basics of that topic. The purpose of using the synoptic mode is to give readers enough information to grasp a concept, allowing them to decide if they want more information (which would be provided in a node using the analytic mode). In hypertext using both panoptic modes, if the reader is satisfied with the level of detail at the synoptic level and her purpose in reading the work does not require more detailed information, she can move on to the next topic without having to wade through information for which she has no purpose. If the does reader require more information to fulfill her purpose, she can move to the analytic level to get those details.

The Panopticon Analytic Mode

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