Archiv der Kategorie: Meaning design

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When correct results are wrong

Riding an information wave, the question arises as to what is actually valid. Since the beginning, IT has struggled with the difficulty of pulling together data from multiple sources into one report to compute the data found and generate the final report from the results. As long as there is only one report, discrepancies are not apparent. Creating reports from independently running IT systems on the same issues brings unpredictable inconsistencies to light. The leading causes are the differently understood and independently recorded data sources and paths.

Reliable data increases the quality of a report.

  • One storage location
    Redundantly stored data inevitably leads due to erroneous input to inconsistencies, uncoordinated meanings, and different target dates. Global networking allows relevant report data to be stored in one place at a specified time. Plausibility checks minimize inaccurate entries. Eventually, costs are reduced with one storage location and, additionally, through avoiding errors and rework.
  • Standardized data format
    Different formats need to be cleansed (data cleansing) before they can be computed. Text fields need to be made computable, non-uniform units converted (orders of magnitude, such as thousands or millions; units of measure, such as meters and yards; currencies, such as Dollars and Euros), and an agreed number of decimal places supplied. Just deadlines in setting exchange rates blur values in reports. Predefined tables for conversion reduce inconsistencies.
  • Coordinated meaning
    You cannot see in a number what it is supposed to express. Different perspectives lead to distorted figures and statements. Let’s take the number of employees as an example. Are only permanent employees counted? As full-time equivalents or headcounts? Do temporary and part-time employees also count? Do interns count? Do external freelancers, consultants, and personnel leased count? The purpose determines the counting method. Does an area want to be more productive, or should the headcount be high? Before generating internal reports, the meaning of the term employee should be aligned. Otherwise, wrong conclusions will be drawn.
  • Synchronized reporting dates
    Reporting figures follow a local logic, serve the local management for control, and are determined by the conditions on the spot. It means that the creation by the local IT systems and the associated processes lead to an on-site up-to-datedness of the data. If it is retrieved on a centrally determined deadline, it may not match due to different periods. For example, if the local monthly values vary on the last business day due to various time zones – Wellington, New Zealand versus San Francisco, USA.
  • Prepared cross-checks
    Additional info can lead to different results. A hint provides the totals of the overall or unit results, which differ due to the mentioned difficulties or due to the varying views that do not match. If the expected numbers turn out too high, numbers may have been counted twice. If they turn out too low, numbers may have been misinterpreted or are simply lacking. Cross-checks are always needed! If we only have one report, the errors go unnoticed.
  • Continuous adjustment
    As errors only become apparent over time, data quality should be continuously observed. As soon as discrepancies occur, they should be understood and corrected, starting with the following report. In this way, you will eventually get a reliable reporting system.

Bottom line: If multiple data sources are available, input errors, fuzzy checkpoints, and different interpretations of data lead to hardly understood mistakes. If there are repeated mismatches, the readers no longer trust the report and the reporting party. Reliability is enhanced by ONE data source, a reconciled and processable data structure, unambiguous meaning, a synchronized target date, prepared cross-checks, and ongoing adjustment when errors are identified. The well-thought-out calculation path provides a correct result that is wrong if the data quality is poor.

The energetic sense(ly) image

We are stuck in the dilemma of being exposed to an increasing flood of data at shorter and shorter intervals. There is not enough time to process it adequately. In addition, culturally conditioned means of expression burden the exchange. When high-context meets low-context, the unfamiliar style of the counterpart triggers unexpected reflexes: Boredom or impatience, lack of and misunderstanding, and, in the end, differently construed outcomes. If signs, words, and expressions are interpreted differently, this puts a strain on mutual understanding. This pressure is especially true if the content is not conveyed with sense(ly) images.

The contents become symbolic by not limiting themselves to numbers, data, and facts, but by additionally describing sensual aspects: visually, auditorily, kinesthetically. For this purpose, we express an issue through multiple channels. Vehicles for this are metaphors, analogies, or symbols, which we describe in writing or pictorially.

  • Symbol – the minimalist meaning carrier
    A symbol is a simple sign that represents complex facts. In South Africa’s Blombos Cave is the oldest symbol found to date (estimated to be 75,000 to 100,000 years old) – a type of cross-hatching (more about such discoveries: here). Currently, anthropologists believe that it is magical good luck mojo for hunting. Experienced shamans, immersed in a trance, painted them on the walls of uninhabited caves. Nowadays, we know symbols in different areas. In politics, we are familiar with national flags, crests, and party logos. The followers of a religion draw a lot of strength and community spirit from their signet. This is true for the Christian cross, the Muslim crescent moon, or the Jewish Star of David. In PR, we find precious logos, such as the Olympic circles, the Audi circles, or Apple’s apple. Technicians use graphical symbols to represent complex relationships in their blueprints, process descriptions, and structural diagrams.
    A symbol is an emblem and a sign of recognition. It refers to the extensive facts of a subject area. On the one hand, a sign warns against the undesirable or the rejected. It deters and alerts with a warning against deer crossing or with a skull against a poisonous substance. On the other hand, a symbol creates a sense of community and thus an identity.
  • Analogy – by virtue of the same properties
    An analogy occurs when two circumstances or things have the same characteristics. In the simple case, it is a matter of similar attributes. An example is the comparison of Xi Jinping with Mao Zedong (both are paramount leaders of China). Complex cases arise from similar, indirectly derived features. The clockwork and the tayloristic company structure have some things in common. Take as an example the property that they are made up of parts that together serve a purpose and are comparably vulnerable.
    The analogy thrives on the fact that we recognize similar patterns in different circumstances by which we notice the same characteristics. It does not matter whether or how we evaluate the overlapping features. Wooden and plastic bricks have the same properties. They can be combined in any way and reused infinitely. In addition, they train fine motor skills, create a sense of creative achievement, and can be applied regardless of age.
  • Metaphor – the thrilling analogy
    Metaphors describe sophisticated analogies with additional aspects, adapted structures, a purposeful storyline, and convincing arguments. If we look at the construction of an edifice, it resembles a project. Both consist of various tasks, roles, interdependencies, sequences (with a defined start and end), milestones, and much more. When building the pyramids, we think of huge building elements, “slaves”, resources, transport routes and techniques, rooms, rituals, and much more.
    The metaphor thrives on an exciting story. It sweeps the audience along with the help of a sophisticated arc of suspense, and effectively conveys the actual message. When, for instance, building blocks create unexpected structure like a bridge that carries three people and spans a three-meter-wide stream. And more than 500 people build the whole in 60 minutes. The story conveys that we can achieve the seemingly unthinkable if we try. The astounding conclusions have a lasting effect on the audience, reaching them emotionally and anchoring them in their minds.

Bottom line: The desire to present content or oneself in the best possible way leads to supposedly complete content overloaded with data. Prosaic presentations are difficult to process and remember because they are free of emotional anchors. Using a sensually charged metaphor increases the likelihood that the audience will pick up the desired core messages. At its simplest, signs create a curious symbol that reminds people of the topic when it appears. A sensually charged metaphor makes it more likely that the audience will take away the untended core messages. A metaphor has a lasting effect if it presents the features and components in an exciting way. The coherent flow ends up justifying the theme presented. The sense(ly) image provides the energy that permeates all participants and their activities and preserves the momentum.