Chunking Content – Part 5
In Part 4 we reviewed Maps and Blocks. Detailing the foundation of a Block and its structure. In this part I will review the Map and how the Block plays a role in its structure.
While Blocks have replaced the conventional paragraph, Maps provide a unit of information that is unique and precisely defined. There is no parallel unit in conventional writing. Although Maps are larger than Blocks they are smaller than sections and chapters. In unison with Blocks, Maps aid the writer with a mechanism to apply the Design Principles.
Why Maps?
In conventional writing paragraphs can be grouped and organized into many sizes and types of information within a document like Sections and Chapters. The problem with this is there is little to no consistency between writers, document structure and unit size. The Information Mapping methodology groups Blocks into Maps, Maps into Chapters or Sections.
Maps
We have discussed that a Map is a collection of Blocks. A Map should also contain a title, similar to the Block the Map should:
- Describes one topic
- Each Block contains one idea related to the Map title (topic)
- Map Title and Block Labels:
- Describe the content
- Preview content, for reader
- Make content easily scannable
A reader should be able to anticipate the content, main idea or point of focus of a Map by its title.
Map Guidelines
As we develop our Maps keep in mind the following guidelines:
- One topic per Map
- Remember the chunking methodology, no more than seven plus or minus two (7 ± 2) related Blocks in a Map
- Map Titles should be unique
- Map Titles cannot copy Block Labels
- Map Titles and Block Labels follow:
- Describe the content
- Preview content, for reader
- Make content easily scannable
Format
For the most part Maps have a title, followed by Blocks. The Block have a visual separation usually a space or vertical line.
- Paper Format
- Keep it readable, don’t crowd the paper
- One inch margins
- Keep page orientation throughout document
- On-line format
- Much more flexible so be consistent
- Accommodate your audience
- Labeling is much more crucial because blank spaces lose their effectiveness with on-line content
Alternate Formats
Layout and orientation should always take your audience into consideration first. As long as you follow this guideline there are many ways to format your Maps.
- Block labels are clearly visible, distinct from your content and easily scannable
- Map Titles are the most prominent headings on the page
- Where the Map begins and end is clear
- It is clear which Blocks belong to the Map
Results
Your layout should be like a road map, where you are now and where you are going. When on the road your perspective it limited to what is around you and cannot see the shortest route to your destination. Information should follow the same structure. When buried in a wall of text you cannot find your way out and finding the information you need becomes a gamble. Mapped Information allows you to grasp the subject matter and general organization of the content very quickly by using:
- Block Labels
- Map Titles
- Consistent hierarchy
- Tables
- Overview Maps
Does size really matter?
The physical size of a Map is far less important that the conceptual size or the amount of information it contains. To remain compliant with chunking limits, Maps should not exceed nine Blocks, with each Block focused on a single topic. It is possible for a Map to contain one or two Blocks, but only when presenting a summary, guideline or list of rules in the context of a large document.
Overview Maps
In the previous Block I mentioned Overview Maps. These are a specialized Map that is added to an information unit to aid in comprehension. Aiding in organization of content for chapters or sections and sometimes transitional information. The content of an Overview map contains:
- Map title to follow
- Orients the reader
- Provide transition and flow
Overview Maps are used at the beginning of:
- a book
- Chapter or unit
- Section within a chapter or unit
- sequence of related Maps
Conclusion
In this part we have reviewed Maps and their construction and discussed their layout, Paper vs. On-Line. Remember that it is most important to remember who your audience is when developing your Map and it is the conceptual size of your Map that is more important that its physical size. We have reviewed the four design Principles, Chunking, Relevance, Labeling and Consistency. This is the foundation for organization and structure of the content.
In Part 6 I will move into the Development Phase and its Principles, which consist of two basic items; integrated Graphis and Accessible Details.
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