If you are creating and managing a data or an information product (InfoApp), you need to understand the intricacies of the information distribution process. Information distribution refers to the process of disseminating data, insights, and knowledge across an organization or to external stakeholders. It involves selecting appropriate channels, formats, methods and technologies to ensure that the right information reaches the right people at the right time, enabling informed decision-making and action.
The following seven areas outline your technical roadmap for information delivery. Designing the right delivery architecture requires careful logistical planning for the digital world. While there may be no ships, planes, or trucks involved, digital congestion can still occur, disrupting the user experience.
- Data/Content: These are the raw materials and core assets used to create and package the data product for distribution.
- Integration: Information is integrated with other systems and data sources, to provide a more comprehensive and holistic view of the user’s needs and interests.
- Authoring: These are the tools and technologies used to prepare and package data and content into tailored information presentations.
- Personalization: Information is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the user, based on their role, interests, and past behavior.
- Contextualization: Information is delivered in the context of the user’s environment, such as their location, time of day, and device type.
- Automation: Information is generated, updated, and delivered automatically, without the need for manual intervention or input from the user.
- Scalability: Ensuring that information is delivered to any number of users who can interact with the infoapp seamlessly, without interruptions or delays.
The following eight non-technical aspects relate to the marketing and compliance of your distribution efforts.
- Know your audience: Understand the needs, technical expertise, and data literacy of your target users. This will inform how you tailor, present, and distribute information.
- Choose the right channels: Select appropriate platforms and tools for distributing data products, whether it’s dashboards, data-rich presentations, reports, or interactive applications.
- Ensure data quality: Implement processes to maintain data accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Poor data quality can erode trust in your products.
- Balance access and security: Provide easy access to authorized users while maintaining robust data security and privacy measures.
- Design for usability: Create intuitive interfaces and visualizations that make complex data easily understandable and actionable.
- Enable self-service: Empower users to explore and analyze data independently, reducing bottlenecks in information flow.
- Measure impact: Track usage metrics and gather feedback to continually improve your data products and distribution methods.
- Stay compliant: Be aware of relevant data regulations and ensure your distribution practices adhere to legal and ethical standards.
By mastering these aspects of information distribution, data product managers can maximize the value and impact of their products across the organization.