Alistair Cockburn developed a model that describes the communication channels along the axes of effectiveness and richness. As defined by Richard Daft and Robert Lengel, richness relates to the amount of learning that can be transmitted through a medium. Media richness is a function of characteristics, including the ability to:
- Handle multiple information cues simultaneously,
- Facilitate rapid feedback,
- Establish a personal focus, and
- Utilize natural language.
Richness in communication allows a broad spectrum of information to be conveyed rapidly. Situations that entail complex, complicated, and personal information benefit from richer communication channels, such as face-to-face communication. Situations that impart simple, factual information can use less rich communication channels such as a note or a text message.
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