While some information systems might strive toward complete imitation of some transaction, event, object (e.g., virtual reality), we, at least for the time being, must face the problem as we organize information of deciding what aspects of the "situation" must be maintained as part of an information system. Further, once we decide that some element of information is to be maintained, we must decide how that element will be symbolized (e.g., through a visual image, numbers, words). During this next phase of the course we will be considering these issues of representation.

Soergel, Dagobert. (1985). Organizing Information: Principles of Database and Retrieval System. Orlando, FL: Academic Press. (Pp. 150-152--This selection is labeled Criteria for the Design and Evaluation of Data Schemas)

These are simply some commonly offered criteria for design and evaluation of information systems.

Norman, D.A. (1993). Things that make us smart : defending human attributes in the age of the machine. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. [T14 .N67 1993] & [PAM] [Chapter 3--The Power of Representation]

This selection provides examples of the role that representation plays in noticing patterns, finding relevant information, and making decisions.