Information Architecture
Information Flow
Plain English
How information moves.
Definition
Information flow describes how information moves through a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term, from input to output.
In practice
Used to design glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term, journeys, and communication between components.
In context
It is where handovers break. The glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term exists at step one and is needed at step four, and somewhere in between a person retypes it.
The reality
Breaks in flow often cause confusion, delays, or errors.
Compared with
Information Flow vs Content Flow
Information flow is how glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term moves through a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term, including parts no user sees. glossaryContent FlowContent flow describes how content is sequenced and presented across a journey to guide users through information and actions.Open glossary term is what a person reads across a journey. One is plumbing, the other is experience.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is information flow?
It is how information moves through a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
Why is information flow important?
It ensures glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term and glossaryEfficiencyEfficiency measures how quickly and easily users can complete tasks once they are familiar with a system.Open glossary term.
What affects information flow?
Structure, design, and glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term connections.
What happens when flow is broken?
Users experience confusion and delays.
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