We’re drowning in data. It’s everywhere—dashboards, metrics, reports—and it’s never been easier to access. But here’s the thing: more information doesn’t mean better decisions.
Hunter McMahon, COO of iDS, reminds us of something simple yet profound: the DIKW model—Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom. It’s a way of thinking that separates noise from insight, facts from action. In his recent Forbes article, Hunter uses a cup of coffee to make the point: raw data is like unbrewed beans—it’s useless without the process that turns it into something valuable.
Curiosity is the missing ingredient. Ever spent time with a curious three-year-old? Everything is “Why?” and “How?” Somewhere along the way, we lost that instinct to ask questions. We settled for surface-level answers, and in doing so, stopped digging deeper. Leaders fall into this trap—accepting the first metric, the first trend, or the first “solution” without questioning it.
The DIKW model is a framework for doing better. It’s about taking data, asking “Why?”, pausing to think, and turning it into wisdom that drives meaningful action. Hunter’s article explains how to embrace curiosity, foster collaboration, and make decisions that matter.
Because information isn’t insight—until you make it so. Read the article here, then let’s connect, ask the right questions, and make decisions that count.
iDS provides consultative data solutions to corporations and law firms around the world, giving them a decisive advantage – both in and out of the courtroom. iDS’s subject matter experts and data strategists specialize in finding solutions to complex evidence challenges, ensuring data can be leveraged as an asset, not a liability.
