Making Information Visible

This paper shows how information is made visible through the processing of data contained in huge volumes of documents. It focuses on several phases in the process: the development of an all-encompassing view of the information system; operations of collection, classification, and processing of data; and the use of data. The central role of data processing in various social practices is also examined. Finally, drawing on numerous examples, the paper provides data systems’ identifiers structured around three axes related to practices in this field.