Developing a Model of Distributed Sensemaking: A Case Study of Military Analysis

Journal Title: Informatics - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 1

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the role of representational artefacts in sensemaking. Embodied within representational media, such as maps, charts and lists, are a number of affordances, which can furnish sensemakers with the ability to perform tasks that may be difficult to do inside the head. Presented here is a study of sensemaking in action. We conducted a study of military intelligence analysts carrying out a training exercise, the analysis of which focuses on the use of external task-specific representations. We present a discussion of the findings of our study in the form of a model of distributed sensemaking. Our model concentrates on the interaction of information and various representational artefacts, leading to the generation of insights and a situation picture. We also introduce a number of levels of description for examining the properties and affordances offered by representational artefacts and their role in the sensemaking process.

Authors and Affiliations

Ashley Wheat, Simon Attfield and Bob Fields

Keywords

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  • EP ID EP44049
  • DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/informatics3010001
  • Views 237
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Ashley Wheat, Simon Attfield and Bob Fields (2016). Developing a Model of Distributed Sensemaking: A Case Study of Military Analysis. Informatics, 3(1), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-44049