How Mapping is Different
This looks at how Mapping is different and why:
- Different look
- Why is it different?
- Why Map?
- Content stands out
- Consistency
- Clarity and brevity
- Usability
- How it works
Different look
Information Mapping produces information that looks different from ordinary documents and web pages:
- Information is broken down into different topics, each separate from the other.
- Each topic has a clear, visible label relevant to users.
- There are always navigation aids and often tables and graphics.
Why is it different?
This table compares how we typically "write" information with how we "Map" information.
Comparing |
Writing | Mapping |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What It Is | A literary expression of the writer's personal point of view. | A structured communication of the writer's knowledge on a specific topic. | ||||
| Objective | To emotionally engage the reader with the writer's personal experience. | To convey the right level of details to the right readers at the right time. | ||||
| Writing Style | Open and fluid text with varied sentence structure and vocabulary unique to each writer. | Visual structure relying on concise, direct vocabulary and graphics that are consistent across all writers. | ||||
| Reader Purpose | To read as a complete entity in sequence from page 1 to the end. | To use isolated information topics accessed randomly as needed. | ||||
| Examples |
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| Conclusion | A set of skills that serve a different purpose than business writing and are ineffective in a business setting. | A set of skills specifically for business communications. |
Why Map?
Mapping turns information into modular content that is ideal for
- people to understand and use, and
- technology to tag, store, search, and reuse.
Content stands out
Content is presented in small modular Blocks:
- Blocks help readers find information faster.
- Block labels clarify the purpose and use of each Block, making the Block content more accessible.
- The modular structure simplifies reuse and maintenance.
Consistency
Specific types of content are presented in a consistent way:
- Teams of writers in different parts of an organization can create consistent documents and web pages.
- Organizations can adopt common terms, such as policy, process, or procedure, in consistent ways.
Clarity and brevity
Presentation guidelines encourage writers to use active language:
- Content is clearer when its meaning and purpose can be visually "seen".
- Actions immediately become clearer so errors are eliminated.
Analysis strategies help writers ensure only relevant content is included.
- This dramatically reduces the amount of information that readers must process before finding what they need.
Usability
Information is organized for easy access and easy comprehension:
- There are clear entry and exit points.
- Labels and topic lists help readers
- navigate through and around the content
- pick the information they need, and
- skip the rest.
How it works
Click on this link to see How Mapping Works.
