Information mapping

Information Mapping is a technique that divides and labels information to facilitate comprehension, use, and recall. It was originally developed by Robert E. Horn.

Overview

Information Mapping™ is a research-based approach for creating structured documents and communications. Its goal is to produce clear, concise, and user-focused communications. This is done by analyzing, organizing, and presenting information based on audience needs and the purpose of the information. The method is subject-matter and media independent.^{[citation needed]}

Robert Horn and his colleagues identified dozens of common documentation types, then analyzed them into structural components called information blocks. They identified over 200 common block types. These were assembled into information types using information maps.^{[citation needed]}

According to Horn and his colleagues, the six most common information types are:

• Procedure
• Process
• Principle
• Concept
• Fact
• Structure

The information mapping goal is measurable results that change the way people present information.

Horn's research-based, structured authoring methodology (The Method) forms the foundation of all of his company's (Information Mapping, Inc.) services: content development and management tools, professional services, and training. Institutions such as the University of Maryland's Human Computer Interaction (HCI) program and organizations such as the Parsons Institute for Information Mapping™ have extended this methodology to include greater graphic design, visualization, technology, and knowledge management capabilities into the process of mapping information.

Information Mapping has close ties to information visualization, information architecture, graphic design, information design, and data analysis. The field has responded to advances in Information Technology to also closely tie to: user experience design, graphic user interface design, and knowledge management systems.

Notable Experts

• Brian Willison
• Robert Horn

Bibliography

• Robert E. Horn. Mapping Hypertext: The Analysis, Organization, and Display of Knowledge for the Next Generation of On-Line Text and Graphics. ISBN 0-9625565-0-5
• Robert E. Horn. How High Can it Fly? Examining the Evidence on Information Mapping's Method of High-Performance Communication. Note: This publication is available for download on Horn's website
  • Chapter One: http://www.stanford.edu/~rhorn/a/topic/stwrtng_infomap/HowHigh.Ch1.pdf
  • Chapter Two: http://www.stanford.edu/~rhorn/a/topic/stwrtng_infomap/HowHigh.Ch2.pdf
• The Information Mapping Method - 30 Years of Research - Research Paper & Notes [1]

External links

• Parsons Institute for Information Mapping web site.
• University of Maryland, Human-Computer Interaction Lab web site.
• Robert Horn web site.
• Information Mapping web site.