The Hypertext Web: Building a Metaverse

The Hypertext Web: Building a Metaverse

Introduction:
The idea of an annotation and highlighting layer on top of the Web excites me the most. Just like the layers of lore that give depth and meaning to celebrated places around the world, this annotation layer could add richness to our digital living spaces. It would allow us to connect with others in more intimate contexts and create a sense of place in the online world.

The Web as a Built Environment:
When we design the Web as a built environment, rather than just a tool or resource, it becomes something more. It becomes the Metaverse. The One Hypertext, done right, can serve as a proto-Metaverse. By creating a Web that feels like a place designed for life, we can expand the possibilities of what the hypertext Metaverse can offer. We can meet people, find entertainment, connect with partners, and build a living online.

Shifting Perspectives:
To propel this trend further and bring us closer to the science fiction Metaverse of the 90s, we need to approach Web design from the perspective of an architect rather than a user interface designer. The Web is increasingly becoming a home, and our design needs should reflect that. This requires a shift from iterative engineering to first-principles design and more imagination in envisioning the future possibilities of the hypertext Metaverse.

Reimagining the Web:
We have only scratched the surface of the potential of designing the Web as a built environment. The Web industry has focused on iterative engineering for the past decade, but now we need to think bigger. We need to reimagine what kinds of places the hypertext Metaverse could contain, just as an architect dreams of their next stadium or skyscraper. By embracing first-principles design and incorporating more imagination, we can create a Web that truly feels like a place for human connection and interaction.

The Loss of Place on the Web:
Today, the Web has lost the sense of place it used to have. We no longer log in and log out or browse and explore. Instead, we exist in a state of being online or offline, connected or disconnected. The Web has become a condition of being, subjecting us to the constant flow of information. With fewer places on the Web that feel like real spaces, our conversations are pushed into the few remaining spaces that retain that metaphor of place.

Intimate Contexts for Conversation:
The annotation layer on the Web could provide more intimate contexts for conversation. For example, when doing research on the Faroe Islands, the layer could inform us that someone else recently visited the same page in a similar frenzy of research. This meta-layer would allow us to meet and connect with others in the same way we might bump into someone at a library while exploring the same row of books. It adds depth and serendipity to our online interactions.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace first-principles design: When designing for the Web, think like an architect rather than a user interface designer. Consider the potential of creating a digital built environment that fosters human connection and interaction.

2. Incorporate imagination: Push the boundaries of what the hypertext Metaverse could be. Imagine new kinds of places and experiences that can exist online, just as an architect dreams of their next creation.

3. Foster intimate contexts for conversation: Explore the possibilities of an annotation and highlighting layer on the Web. Create spaces where users can meet and connect with others who share similar interests or research topics.

Conclusion:
The hypertext Web has the potential to become the Metaverse we've imagined in science fiction. By designing the Web as a built environment and incorporating more imagination, we can create a digital space that feels like a place for human connection and interaction. The annotation layer and intimate contexts for conversation add depth and serendipity to our online experiences. Let's embrace first-principles design, reimagine the possibilities, and create a Web that truly becomes the Metaverse of our dreams.