How Mapping Works
This describes how the Information Mapping method works, summarizing
What Mapping does
Writing skills that serve us very well in many situations utterly fail us in a business setting. We need to set those skills aside and use a different set of skills.
Mapping skills allow us to develop modular, graphical content that users can readily scan, skip, retrieve, and use. This represents an entirely different approach to communicating information.
Tasks and tools
These are the tasks and tools of the Information Mapping method.
| Task | Goal | Tool | Helps the writer |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Analysis |
Determines
|
Information Types | Analyze and categorize information according to a set of discrete Information Types, each based on the purpose of the information for the audience. |
2. Organize |
Creates an overall content structure based on the analysis. | Communication Principles | Organize information effectively based on cognitive psychology principles so that the information is easy to access, understand, and remember. |
| Units of Information | Create standardized information modules that contain one clear purpose. | ||
3. Present |
Present the information so that it is easy to use. | Presentation Modes | Visually format information so that its graphical presentation reflects what it means for the user. |
For more detail
For more detail and to better understand how Information Mapping works, click on
- these Before and After Examples
- this animated demo: Show me how Mapping works
- this link to see How Mapping is Used.
