# An Architectural Insight for Analytics By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-06-22 A well-known dictum from architecture is form follows function. This can be a handy way to remember to put focus on the function something is supposed to serve. From there, one can fill in the gaps by making decisions aligned with the determined strategic function. So, what is the function, or what are the functions, of analysis? A few come to mind. Analysis informs, persuades, comforts, and challenges. Attention is routinely given to the first two elements. Organizations routinely use analysis to inform or persuade. Analysis can comfort. Facing uncertainty is hard. When humans face uncertainty, they want to get out in front of it and define it to the extent possible. Analysis provides one with the ability to do so. Additionally, analysis can challenge. Much of what we assume is either false or only partially correct. The insights derived from analysis can challenge us to let go of our preconceived notions and improve our understanding. Back to the insight from architecture, the form the analysis takes will likely be influenced by which of these four functions it is designed to serve. Analysis designed to inform will probably use the organizational template, whereas analysis designed to persuade will likely be a slick package. Analysis designed to comfort will likely be personal, whereas analysis designed to challenge might be in a form that could be the antithesis of the organizational template. When the form of the analysis follows its intended function it will increase the probability of success. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Purpose]] [[Function]] [[Form]] [[Architecture]] [[Success]] [[Organization]]