Translating data into information: a primer of preparatory concepts and skills.

Consider data as content, as the parts required for building "something." But data alone are not the something. Data are a part, not the whole. Consider information as context. It is akin to having the something. But information is dependent on data for building the something, the whole. Thus, translating data into information requires being aware of and respecting the content and context relationship and dependency of data and information. Finally, translating data into information requires an understanding of people and how people communicate. Data and information are effective means for people to express, exchange, and communicate ideas. When data and resulting information communicate to and inspire people, ideas originate. Thus, data and information are essential for communication to occur and function as the origin of ideas of the future.