A Flexible Architecture for Adaptive Hypermedia Systems

This paper presents an XML-based flexible and modular architecture for the modelling and the run-time support of web-based Adaptive Hypermedia Systems supporting multi-channel access. The proposed XML Adaptive Hypermedia Model (XAHM) and the supporting architecture allow the hypermedia adaptation along three different "adaptivity dimensions": user`s behaviour; technology, external environment. A view over the Application Domain corresponds to each possible position of the user in the "adaptation space". The user’s behaviour is modelled using a probabilistic approach that dynamically constructs a discrete probability density function. Using that distribution the system attempts to assign the user to the “best” profile that fits his/her expectations. Moreover, the delivered presentation units are composed, formatted and presented according to network and terminal constraints, and external environment conditions.