MENTAL MODEL · M6662

Information Space Model

BusinessmediumManagement

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Updated 2026-08-09

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

The Information Space, or I-Space, is a model of knowledge flow proposed by Max Boisot. It locates knowledge on three dimensions: codification, how far knowledge has been structured and expressed in symbols; abstraction, how far it has been detached from specific contexts; and diffusion, how widely it is shared among people. Knowledge moves through a cycle of scanning, problem solving, abstraction, diffusion, absorption, and impact. The model assumes these dimensions trade off against each other, so knowledge that is highly codified and widely diffused is easier to transfer but harder to keep proprietary, while tacit knowledge is valuable but difficult to move.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Use three-axis placement: locate a knowledge asset by how codified, abstract, and diffused it is. - Use stage diagnosis: identify where the asset sits in the scan-to-impact cycle. - Use bottleneck targeting: raise the weakest dimension, such as codifying expert knowledge or spreading what is documented.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Knowledge that stays tacit and personal cannot be reused by anyone else, and knowledge that is fully codified and public cannot be kept. Positioning an asset on the three dimensions makes that trade-off concrete and shows which direction of movement would help. Because diffusion without codification produces anecdotes rather than transferable practice, and codification without diffusion produces dormant documents, the binding constraint is usually the lowest dimension. The cycle then indicates the next move, from creating knowledge through distributing it to realizing value.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Pick a specific knowledge asset and rate its codification, abstraction, and diffusion. 2. Identify which dimension is the binding constraint. 3. Take one action that raises that dimension, such as documenting expertise or running a community session. 4. Track the asset's movement through the scan-to-impact cycle. 5. Reassess the position on the three dimensions after each intervention.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

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en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_BoisotZH · Explicit
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