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The Duality in the Nature of the Web
Websites began as hypertext, but with the advancement of technology, people were able to use the web for more than just a publishing medium. The web gained the capabilities to do more complex features which included enabling websites to not only distribute information but manipulate it and collect it. These advancements led to the web being able to function as an application, leading towards two distinct was of using the web:
Web as Software Interface
When a website functions as a software interface, it is acting as a tool for it's users.
Main Focus of Site: concerned with tasks
Web as Hypertext System
A website that functions as a hypertext system functions as an information resource for it's users.
Main Focus of Site: concerned with information
Why This Matters
When creating a website, your purpose stands at the forefront of your project. Depending on what you wish to have your website do for you and your audience, the requirements and planning stages differ. When using the web as a software interface, you are more concerned with interactional and functional aspects of the site, whereas with using the web as a hypertext system, you are more concerned with your website's information and navigation.