What is Sensemaking ?
Most aspects of life contain various degrees of
ambiguity (conflicting or excessive information) and uncertainty (lack
of information) that must be continuously processed. As
individuals, we process ambiguity and uncertainty through both
cognitive and social mechanisms. Sensemaking is a theoretical
construct that contains the cognitive and social mechanisms for dealing
with ambiguity and uncertainty. Sometimes sensemaking is
explicit in that it occurs when we are deliberate and mindful of our
surroundings. Sometimes sensemaking is tacit in that we do not
realize that we are doing it, but it nevertheless helps us confront the
equivocality of life. Sensemaking helps both individuals and
organizations think, learn, act, react, and design solutions more
effectively. The theoretical base of sensemaking cuts across and
is applicable to the disciplines of psychology, sociology,
organizational behavior, management, information science, education,
and design.
We hope to facilitate cross-disciplinary
conversations and research about sensemaking and will be working to
improve this page as we learn more from our colleagues.
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