TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Info on Information Mapping From:"Nicole J. Burton" <nburton -at- FDIC -dot- GOV> Date:Sat, 11 Jun 1994 10:57:10 +6816
Response for info on Information Mapping (without wanting to sound like a
commercial) ...
Information Mapping is a copyrighted, structured approach to writing
documentation, reports, memos, and almost any type of written communication
except creative writing such as fiction, plays, etc.
In a nutshell, the IM method shows that almost all information can be divided
into procedures (Ps) and knowledge (Ks), as well as be classified into seven
different information types. Each information type can be best handled in
particular ways, for example, describing Structure information can be best
described by using diagrams, parts tables, parts-function tables, and
description.
The IM method uses a lot of tables (particularly for procedures), white
space, and ruling lines. In general, the suggested formats give the reader
the ability to skip and scan easily through the material to fine exactly what
they want. Because of this approach, it is well suited for adaption to
online communication methods.
There's a lot to it (and I'm scarcely an expert), but so far, I've found it
very useful and I'm eager to get more training in it. IM also has a whole
ISO 9XXX training program, which I don't know anything about.
To contact Information Mapping, call 1-800-MAP-4544. They're located in
Waltham, MA.