Q) If the information is the same, what possible benefit could there be from varying the way it is viewed? It will be the same information regardless of how I view it, right?

A) True, the information will be the same...but how you view it will determine how easy it is to manage and what perspective you have.

Look at the graphic to the top right. The cube represents the information. Depending on which angle you view it from it will appear different, with a different perspective, but ultimately the information inside remains the same.

When software allows you to see everything from varied perspectives, it is an incredibly powerful tool.

Software that is too focused on one method of presentation is much less useful than software that allows you to view things from several different perspectives. In day to day use, the most effective method of viewing information will come down to the nature of the task you are performing.

Visual presentation software can be categorised in two ways: Method Centric or Method Neutral

Method Centric: The software is focused on one particular method of presenting the information. The presentation methodology is more important than the information itself. Various features are inbuilt to enhance usability, but the primary user message is that one method can be applied for all situations. In effect, the software dictates the best mode of presentation to the user, allowing the user to make adjustments within the boundaries of that chosen method. The 'one size fits all' approach of Method Centric applications limits the users ability to manage information flexibly and take advantage of the benefits numerous styles have to offer.

Method Neutral: The software is focused on the integrity of the information first and the presentation method is secondary / flexible. No particular presentation style is advocated above another.

Method Neutral applications do not make assumptions about the most appropriate means of presentation, they allow the user to select which is most appropriate to them at the time. Conversely, they can lack the guidance some new users require to get started. Mindsystems Amode aims to be Method Neutral by providing various Modes, but also supports new users effectively with easy to use visual tools.