M2 The Pro's and Cons of a theory.

Brenda Dervin

INFORMATION DESIGN

           There are many definitions of Information Design, it is non linear, adapting and evolving as our cultures and technology change and grow. Out of all the theories we have been looking at, it is Brenda Dervin I had the most problem with helping me to understand Information design better. I felt that most of her concepts and ideas were theoretical at best with no real concrete examples. This idea of SenseMaking methodology which by definition “is an approach to thinking about and implementing communication research and practice and the design of communication-based systems and activities” (from SenseMaking studies website) It is used mostly in research fields and was originally developed for patients, users ,clients,etc. to their corresponding institutions and situations then using these results in designing systems (Dervin 44)

            I do believe some of her approaches were part of the foundation for scholarly advancement on how we gather and use information. By going through the steps in her process one becomes more self aware of what is being present to them. There is an interesting diagram reference that is used in order to help make more sense.

This is what is called the SenseMaking triangle: Situation , gap, and outcome all which are in constant cycle. It is mostly used in research interviews to gather information and make sense of situations. She goes into several concepts of information in several narratives such as:

Information describes an ordered reality

Information describes an ordered reality that varies from culture to culture

Information imposes order on a chaotic reality

And so on..

Some of the Pro’s of her theories and methodology:

Provides insightful discourse on the treatment of information is applied.

Provides a methodology to research user vs institution and addressing issues.

Some of the Con’s of her theories and methodology:

Most is considered theoretical and is still being developed

No concrete examples of how it is being used in Information Design practice.

I feel I cannot really use her methodologies in any real sense.

 Reference cited:

Jacobson, Robert.   Information Design.  Article by Brenda Dervin. Chaos, Order, and SenseMaking: A Proposal Theory for Information Design.  MIT Press. 2000

SenseMaking studies site https://web.archive.org/web/19970710213954/http://communication.sbs.ohio-state.edu/sense-making/

https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/CELALC/dervin-sense-makingmetaphorhakanyildiz