Handling and communicating intelligence information: a conceptual, historical and information design analysis

Lonsdale, David; Lonsdale, Maria dos Santos

Abstract

Effective communication of information is essential to intelligence work. This paper identifies the main obstacles to good communication: policy-related challenges; cognitive impediments; resource limitations; cultural and structural issues within intelligence communities; and technical information. To illustrate, it examines four cases when poor communication contributed to intelligence shortcomings. Via questionnaire and document survey, the study identifies the current state of practice in UK intelligence communities. The survey of visualization documents currently in use revealed errors against established principles of Information Design. Thus, to ensure better handling and dissemination of intelligence, there is a distinct need to apply Information Design principles.

Citation

Lonsdale, D., & Lonsdale, M. D. S. (2019). Handling and communicating intelligence information: a conceptual, historical and information design analysis. Intelligence and national security, 34(5), 703-726. https://doi.org/10.1080/02684527.2019.1592841

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 19, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Apr 3, 2019
• Publication Date: Jul 29, 2019
• Deposit Date: Mar 14, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 4, 2020
• Journal: Intelligence and National Security
• Print ISSN: 0268-4527
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-9019
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 703-726
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02684527.2019.1592841
• Keywords: Information design; Information visualisation; Intelligence information; Visual communication; Intelligence cycle
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/1379238
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02684527.2019.1592841
• Contract Date: Mar 14, 2019