The Challenges of Knowledge Architecture

The problems involved in designing systems appropriate for human beings utilizing conversational operating systems capable of supporting personal learning in a dynamic and generative way are not trivial. They challenge our notions of the stability of what we call "knowledge" especially when we introduce the novelty of each new person's interaction with that knowledge domain.

Problem:

The complexity of mapping potential connections in a defined domain so that the domain has dimensionality and also novelty while still offering conceptual depth and freedom of movement for the user.

Problem:

The need for a new design framework that uses the open-ended nature of individual questioning to advantage so that the personal learning system supports our human imagination yet does not prescribe it through prescribed patterning.

At least three levels of coherence must be provided within the knowledge architecture in order to support the level of analogical structure complementary to human creativity.

The network in its functional interface with data must be able to generate a knowledge domain with internal cohesion from within the universe of data being gathered. This knowledge mesh or knowledge network must retain its wholeness and internal coherence regardless of where it is picked up, much like a fishnet retains its connectedness regardless of where you pick it up.

Building conceptual dimensionality, sufficiently complex enough to engage and sustain the intellectual interest of a human being will require a knowledge architecture more sophisticated than current examples. Video Games like Nintendo have demonstrated that perceptual interest can be sustained, indeed, can become almost hypnotic. However, the distinction between perceptual and conceptual stimulation is the area in need of thoughtful consideration.

Hyperlinking provides a method of journeying between and among such knowledge domains. However, the quality of such journeying depends upon the depth and coherency of the domains themselves. A method of mapping the user's progress through the domain, laying down a path as it is walked, so to speak, will provide the user with responsive feedback about his or her own style.