Avhopps

Avhopps is a term used in discussions of digital media organization to describe a workflow and conceptual model for linking audiovisual content to support navigable exploration of media collections. The term blends “AV” (audio-visual) with “hops” (transitions between items), echoing how hyperlinks guide readers through text.

Origin and usage: The term emerged in online communities and archival projects in the early 2020s as media repositories grew in size and complexity. It was described in project notes and forums as a lightweight method to scaffold user-driven journeys through video, audio, and related metadata, rather than as a rigid technical standard.

Definition and structure: In an avhopps approach, small media units called hops are created from clips, previews, or metadata entries. Each hop includes a pointer to the next item, along with contextual metadata such as title, date, and relation. Collections arrange hops into sequences or trees, enabling curated or exploratory navigations. The model emphasizes portability across platforms by relying on interoperable metadata schemas.

Applications and reception: Avhopps is used in digital exhibitions, educational modules, and collaborative archives to enhance engagement and discovery. Critics note the need for consistent standards and provenance tracking to prevent broken chains and to ensure accessibility. Some platforms have implemented avhopps-inspired features without adopting a formal specification, leading to varying degrees of compatibility.

See also: hypermedia, linked data, metadata standards, media archiving.