1. Introduction

There are many different ways in which information can be communicated to others e.g. text, images, sounds.

The different methods are called 'representation methods'

To get over your message effectively it is vital that the most suitable method is chosen for a particular situation.

Think about traveling to an airport. When you are initially planning your route, a map would probably be the most useful way of presenting information to you. However, once you get closer to the airport and you are actually driving, the map becomes less useful and road signs become more suitable. (In fact trying to read a map whilst driving is a real no-no!)

If the information is presented in the wrong format or in a format which you can't understand then it has little use to you. For example, road signs written in a foreign language are of little use to visitors who don't understand them.

Over the next few pages we will be looking at some of the different methods used to convey information and considering their advantages and disadvantages.