The unstructured 'wall of words'
'Information overload' sounds so last century, doesn't it? But it isn't. It's still with us. So much content is unstructured and difficult to use. Too often it's hard to understand and difficult to grasp why we should read it.
What's the alternative?
Information Mapping is visibly different. This doesn't mean it's all about style over substance. But overall, content developed using its approach does look different. We explain some of these differences below.
Modular units of information
Applying Information Mapping's research-based principles means information is presented in small, modular units that help readers find information faster. Every unit is labelled, making its purpose clear. This modular approach also improves accessibility and simplifies reuse and maintenance.
Consistency
Information is presented in a consistent way, even if content has been written by different people (provided they are all using Information Mapping's approach, of course!).
Clarity and brevity
Information Mapping's approach encourages you to write using active language, making the subject and object of each action clear. Audience analysis helps you to eliminate redundant information. This dramatically reduces the amount of information your readers must process before finding what they need.
Accessibility
Modular units make it easy for writers to organise their Information around audience needs. Your readers can navigate around the content, pick the information they need and skip the rest. Integrating graphic elements into the material also illuminates the text.
Experience it yourself - try our online demo
If you have a few minutes, why not try out the online, interactive demo created by our colleagues at Information Mapping Inc (IMI) in the US. It's a fun, but effective way of understanding the difference between an unstructured wall of words and a reader-friendly page of information.
>> Take me to the interactive demo