Foundations for Spread Page: review of existing concepts, solutions, technologies capabile of improving effectiveness of conveying knowledge

Abstract

Spread Page is our code name for a new, more efficient way of conveying technical information and scientific knowledge – freed form the text-centered mindset and focused on graphical, interactive, multidimensional representation. The article presents an overview of current concepts and solutions that seem applicable in crafting the idea of Spread Page. In our discussion we begin with novel, abstract, organizational ideas regarding the process of creating and disseminating scientific knowledge, that break up with the traditional model of (paper) publishing. Then we turn to analyzing methods and conventions used in (graphically) modeling real and abstract constructs, and finally review existing software solutions, technologies and exemplary, concrete products that implement certain functionalities instrumental to our cause. We reach the conclusion that, in certain areas (dealing with read-world entities, e.g. mechanics or anatomy), such desired “Spread-Page” way of representing knowledge is already within our reach. In more abstract fields, like law and legislature, political science, etc. we are still far off, mostly due to lack of appropriate standards and (graphical) notation. The paper is as a part of a larger set of articles presenting the proposed concept of Spread Page.