The Data Information Knowledge Wisdom hierarchy (aka DIKW) is a construct for understanding the different ways humans perceive and process information. ![[IMG_1308.jpeg]] ## Explanation Think of information like matter. Matter can exist in multiple states over time. Water can be a solid in the form of ice, liquid at room temperature, or gas in the form of steam when it gets hot. And if water gets really, really hot, it becomes plasma. ![[IMG_1309.jpeg]] Information can also exist in multiple states over time. - **Data** is the most unformed, raw state of information. A collection of points with no discernible meaning. - **Information** is data that has been contextualized so that it can be understood. - **Knowledge** is information that has been assimilated in a person’s mind. - **Wisdom** is knowledge that has been applied to a new situation. More here: [Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom | Stumax.com](https://www.stumax.com/2013/04/27/data-information-knowledge.html) References: - [Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom](http://www.systems-thinking.org/dikw/dikw.htm) - Ackoff, R. L., "[From Data to Wisdom](https://www.researchgate.net/post/Original_paper_of_From_data_to_wisdom_by_Ackoff_1989)", Journal of Applies Systems Analysis, Volume 16, 1989 p 3-9. --- **Relates to**: [[Concepts/information architecture|IA]], [[data]], [[information]], [[knowledge]], [[wisdom]]