Enhancing information impact: how do we make the most of our information senses?
| Published date | 12 March 2018 |
| Pages | 142-144 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-02-2018-0010 |
| Date | 12 March 2018 |
| Author | Jo Smedley |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Enhancing information impact:
how do we make the most of our
information senses?
Jo Smedley
University of South Wales, UK
Abstract
Purpose –This paper discusses the importance of effectively using senses in sharing information and
managingthe opportunities they individually and collaborativelyoffer.
Design/methodology/approach –The paper considers how information is best portrayed by each
sense, individuallyand collaboratively.
Findings –How information takes accountof senses to ensure that information engagement is maximised
through its entertainmentand education value.
Research limitations/implications –As the value and importance of information continuesto grow,
so will the urgency of information engagement and ensuringthat its portrayal is appropriate, effective and
efficientthrough a variety of sensory approaches –whetherindividual or collaborative.
Practical implications –One sensory size does not fit all. It is important that the dimensions and
flexibility of information are reflected to ensure that it can adapt to suit various audiences. These flexible
approacheswill ensure that learner engagement ismaximised.
Social implications –All information methods are of equal value. By ensuringthat learners are able to
access the information method that is most appropriate to them, thenlearning potential can be maximised.
There is a growing urgency to move away from a status quo information approach and thereby enhance
varietyand enable potential.
Originality/value –Information is power. Each person is unique. How they learn combines these two
qualities. A flexibleapproach to information engagement will encourage and enableinformation and learning
sharing to maximise achievement and contribute to ongoing information entrepreneurship, resilience and
sustainability.
Keywords Learning, Information, Impact, Visualization, Senses, Verbalization
Paper type Viewpoint
Our senses are crucial for learning, memory and engagement. The more our senses are
used in our information sharing, individually and in combination, the greater our
brains are engaged, and remember. The more vividly the memory of sense impression
is created, the greater the impact. For example, some people are very sensitive to odours
and can immediately recall an event when they associate an smell with it. The powerful
sensory combination of words, images, sound, touch and taste enables information to
be communicated, engaged with and understood by a wider audience. They effectively
convey enhanced impact that, individually, may not have the same powerful effect.
Examples include applications in safety, maps, instruction manuals, advertising,
cartoons and comics.
So why is this the case? Communication occurs when a transmitter sendsinformation or
messages related to a specific product, service or idea, to awaken a certain logical or
emotional reaction (Dejong et al., 2012). Methods generally rely on either visualisation, i.e.
information as images,or verbalisation, i.e. information as words.
ILS
119,3/4
142
Received14 February 2018
Accepted14 February 2018
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.119 No. 3/4, 2018
pp. 142-144
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-02-2018-0010
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