The problem with current filing systems is that they only support a hierarchical structure for organizing data. This is a big problem for design students. Where content needs to be classed into several categories, this limited way of organizing things result in files becoming lost in a deep hierarchy.

To resolve this problem, an application that uses a Soup based system was designed to give students a different way of organizing their files.

The application stores all files on the same hierarchical level, and instead of folders, files can be arranged and sorted by user defined attributes. Users can define as many different attributes as they like.

The application uses an XML file for storing attributes assigned to each file. For the purpose of hosting a project online, the application also generates the necessary HTML. The use of these two open file formats give the advantage of being able to run the project folder either on a college server, or transferring it to other media like a CDROM, whilst still having full access to its content.

The application runs seamlessly alongside the operating system, and uses its graphical language. However, to communicate the idea of files with many sets of attributes, the application uses Filters as a way of both assigning the attributes and displaying the project content.

The application also gives students the opportunity to link projects together.  This could be used to keep an up to date portfolio, sharing research amongst several projects, or highlighting where two projects have dealt with the same problems or solutions.