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The Sense-Making Theory

(Retrieved October 3, 2018, from 
https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/using-simulated-experience-to-make-sense-of-big-data/)

There are various different theories in information design. My preferred theory involves sign-posting, which states that information is necessary to guide audiences and inform them, as well as being constantly changed and updated to more modern standards. However, another theory that stands out to me is the sense-making theory of Brenda Dervin. “The approach was originally developed to assess how patients/audiences/users/clients/citizens make sense of their intersections with institutions, media…and situations…” (Jacobson, 2000, p. 44). While this concept is interesting, it can also be difficult to fully grasp. According to Jacobson (2000), sense-making is based on concepts relating to time, space, movement, and gap (p. 45). This could be considered a con to sense-making, as there is a lot of room for different bridges, solutions, or outcomes, depending on the situation. 
(Retrieved October 3, 2018, from http://www.informationr.net/ir/11-4/paper269.html)

This theory is all about how people give value and meaning to their experiences. A pro of the sense-making theory is that it attempts to make up for what other theories may lack. According to Jacobson and Dervin (2000), sense-making assumes that other information design theories may have failed due to only being focused on predicting patterns in rigidities, rather than patterns in flexibilities (p. 45). This theory also relates to humans individually and in their personal lives. It may be implemented in daily tasks such as through school or at work. For example, this theory may be applied to this blog, as I take into consideration who is going to be viewing this post and how the information would best be shared to them. I have gathered what I wanted to share and now I am presenting the information through the blog, in a way that I hope makes sense to the audience. 
(Retrieved October 3, 2018, from http://globalbizleader.com/the-cultural-sense-making-model/)


References: 
Jacobson, R. (2000). Information Design. Massachusetts: MIT Press.

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