Documents in visual reasoning: from paper-based to electronic ones

An electronic document (e-document) is a new medium, which determines an evolution of the traditional documentation styles. The paper contrasts the characteristics of paper-based and electronic documents. The needs of users and the features an e-document must have to become a tool of reasoning and communication are identified. A web-based architecture for e-documents enjoying these features is outlined. The discussion is exemplified by a realistic example.