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Consistency creates clarity: the UNIFY principle of IBCS

Welcome to another article in our series on the International Business Communication Standards (IBCS). Today we will take an in-depth look at the UNIFY principle of the SUCCESS formula. This principle plays a crucial role in the standardization of business information to promote clarity and comprehensibility.

What does UNIFY mean?

UNIFY, the second element of the SUCCESS formula, stands for "unify". In the world of business communication, it is crucial to ensure a uniform presentation of information. The principle aims to standardize symbols, colors and terms in reports and presentations. Using UNIFY ensures that the same information is presented consistently across different documents and presentations.

The importance of uniformity

Consistency plays a key role in avoiding misunderstandings and misinterpretations. If different departments or team members use different symbols or color conventions, this can lead to confusion and affect the quality of decision-making. UNIFY sets clear guidelines for visual design, creating a common language for the entire organization.

How can UNIFY be used in practice?

1. coloring: Define clear rules for the use of colors. For example, specify that certain colors stand for certain categories of data or information.

2. symbols and icons: Agree on uniform symbols and icons to ensure a clear meaning. Avoid using different symbols for the same concept.

3. terminology: Standardize terms and designations to ensure that they are interpreted consistently. This is particularly important for key figures and key terms.

4. axis labels: Define clear rules for labeling axes to enable consistent interpretation.

Conclusion

UNIFY is more than just a visual guideline - it is a key principle to increase the effectiveness of your business communication. Consistency creates clarity and promotes understanding. In our next post, we'll take a closer look at the third element of the SUCCESS formula, "CONDENSE".

Stay tuned to learn more about how to present complex information concisely!

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Based on IBCS Version 1.2; https://www.ibcs.com/ibcs-standards-1-2/#ids[]=18796
© 2024 IBCS Association | www.ibcs.com with adaptations by Sven Börstinghaus - data4success GmbH.
Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 International.