Information Mapping - With examples

Background on 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.

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.

Components of the method

The method helps writers analyze, organize, and present information with clarity focus and impact-Information That Works. This table identifies each component and its goal.

Component	Goal
Analysis	Determine the purpose audience needs, and information types.
Organization	Create an overall structure for the information, based on the results of your analysis.
Presentation	Format the information to make it clear and accessible to your audience.

All Examples

This example

Before: A conventional version of a memo.

TO: All Supervisors FROM: Director of Human Resources SUBJECT: TRANSFERS There are more and more requests for transfers as the company and key work force adopts a more flexible lifestyle. The company supervisor is a key person in facilitating such transfers and in determining whether they would be in the best interest of the company and the employees. This memorandum covers company policy which has been in effect for the past year and continues to be our policy. It outlines each supervisor's responsibilities when an employee requests a transfer. First, it is in the company's interest to retain employees who are performing satisfactorily, therefore, we will try to help employees to move to an area or job which they find more desirable. This is what you should do. When an employee comes to talk about or request a transfer, you should provide them with Form 742, Application for Transfer, and request that they fill it out as soon as possible. If the employee is applying for a new job and not just a new location, and if there are any parts of the new job that you think may disqualify the employee, then you should discuss those area with the employee immediately. Remember, it is company policy that if an employee wants a transfer, the company will make every effort to find an acceptable job. So you should not discourage any request, even if it would disturb the completion of projects or goals in your department. At the bottom of the form, fill out the supervisor's comment. Be brief and to the point. When you finish that, make a copy of the employee's most recent performance review and attach it to the form. If the employee's current performance is unsatisfactory, then your signature and your immediate supervisor's signature are required on Part C of the form. If the current performance is outstanding, attach a copy of any letters of commendation. If the current performance is satisfactory, you don't have to attach anything. Send a copy of the blue copy of the form to the company Placement Bureau and a pink copy to your Departmental File. The yellow copy should be given to the employee.

 

After: The Information Mapping version of a memo.

TO: All Supervisors FROM: Director of Human Resources SUBJECT: How To Handle Transfer Requests Introduction There are more and more requests for transfers as the company expands and the key work force adopts a more flexible lifestyle. This memo outlines each supervisor's responsibilities when an employee requests a transfer. Procedure When an employee requests a transfer, follow the steps below. Step Action 1 Provide the employee with Form 742, Application For Transfer. 2 Discuss with the employee any areas in the job that you consider may disqualify the employee. Important: Remember that it is company policy to retain any employee whose performance is satisfactory.  The company makes every effort to find an acceptable job if an employee wishes to be transferred.  You may in no way discourage a request for a transfer. 3 Enter your supervisor's comment in the space at the bottom of the form. 4 Attach a copy of the latest performance review. 5 If the current performance is ... Then ... unsatisfactory add your signature and your immediate supervisor's signature on Part C of the form. satisfactory do not add any additional attachments. outstanding attach copies of any letters of commendation 6 Send this copy of the form ... To ... blue Placement Bureau. pink Department File. yellow employee.