The Technique of Information Mapping
At Prolancit Content & Learning Services LLP, we call it W3H analysis: What, Why, Whom, How. The 'What' part includes identifying the type of information, an exercise within the content analysis process. We believe that an instructional design will not be effective unless we identify the types of information we are structuring to facilitate learning.
Types of Information
Information is of seven types. Review the infographics given below.
The classification of information types is a research-based method of:
The information mapping technique is independent of subject matter and media. It can be employed on paper, computer screens, verbally, or in any presentation.
Information Mapping for Readers
Information mapping facilitates learning for the readers. Readers scan through the information to get quick answers to a few questions before they go deep into the content. Writing using the information mapping technique helps readers summarise the information at first glance.
Readers want answers to several questions:
Writing based on the information mapping technique helps readers scan through the content and quickly pull details of any topic.
Information Mapping for Writers
Information mapping helps writers to structure content scientifically. It helps them deep dive with subject matter experts and orient their writing to target audiences. Knowing the type of information they are dealing with can help them make well-defined instructional and graphics strategies in lesser time. Information mapping makes it easier for them to update, remove, or shift information.
Seven Principles of Information Mapping
There are seven research-based principles of information mapping:
Information Keyblocks
The information mapping technique recommends unique keyblocks for each information type. A keyblock is a set of assets to facilitate learning.
Recall the information type Concept: An information type that explains an idea or a term; for example, "Capital is required to run a business."
Recall the information type Fact: Assumed to be true and presented without supporting evidence; for example, "That is a chair." The keyblock for the information type 'Fact' is as follows:
Note that what is a concept for someone can be a fact for someone else. For example, a 'chair' is a concept for a child, but it is a fact for an adult. For example, if we say to a child, "A chair is an object on which we sit," we need to show one or several images of the chair for the child to understand the concept of the chair. The child should also be taught to identify what is not a chair with the help of non-examples; for example, a stool, a table, a sofa, etc. However, no explanation of the chair is required when we write for adults, "John brought a chair to the room." Likewise, children need to see an image of a leaf when it is presented to them as a fact; for example, "This is a leaf."
Recall the information type Procedure: Details the set of steps performed to obtain a specified outcome; for example, the procedure to whip the cream to make a cake. The keyblock for the information type 'Procedure' is as follows:
Recall the information type Process: Describes a series of events, stages, or phases that take place over time. The keyblock for the information type 'Process' is as follows:
Recall the information type Principle: An information type stated in the form of a rule; for example, "All employees must swipe their cards before entering the office premises." The keyblock for the information type 'Principle' is as follows:
Recall the information type Structure: Any piece of information that can be divided into parts; for example, the respiratory system. The keyblock for the information type 'Structure' is as follows:
Let us summarize the key points of this newsletter.