The Method
What is the Method?
The Information Mapping method is a research-based approach to the analysis, organization, and visual presentation of information. The Method is both subject matter and media independent; that is, it can be applied to the subject matter of any industry, and it can be presented on paper, on a computer screen, verbally, or in a multimedia presentation.
Based on research into how the human mind actually reads, processes, remembers, and retrieves information, Information Mapping is an integrated set of easy-to-learn principles, techniques, and standards. It enables authors to break complex information into its most basic elements and then present those elements optimally for readers. The result is a set of precisely defined information modules that are consistent from author to author and document to document.
How the Method Helps Writers
The Method helps writers analyze, organize, and present information with clarity focus and impact. The goal of the analysis component is to determine the
- purpose
- audience needs, and
- information types.
The goal of the organization is to create an overall structure for the information, based on the results of your analysis. Finally, the goal of the presentation component is to format the information to make it clear and accessible to your audience.
| Tool |
Helps the communicator |
| Information Types |
Analyze the subject matter and categorize it according to the purpose for the audience. |
| Research-Based Principles |
Organize information effectively so that it is easy to access, understand, and remember. |
| Units of Information |
Create standardized information modules that contain one clear purpose |
| Presentation Modes |
Format information so that it is easy to use |
Research Supporting the Method
While at Harvard and Columbia universities, Robert E. Horn, Information Mapping's founder, conducted research about how readers deal with large amounts of information. This resulted in a standard approach for communicating information, which is based on
- learning theory
- human factors engineering, and
- cognitive science.
Visit our Research Web Page to see the work other researchers have done to test the effectiveness of the Information Mapping method.
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