[Purpose /significance] The current information analysis based on big data has become the research focus and development direction in the field of information analysis, but it has some insuperable limitations: excessive tendency to quantitative research, data and situation separation, difficult to truly restore complex phenomena and limited by cost. [Method / process] By combing the concept of thick data and comparing it with big data, this article proposes a new information analysis mode based on thick data, and expounds its connotation and advantages. In addition, referring to the traditional process of information analysis, this paper proposes an information analysis process based on thick data and story its results. [Result / conclusion] This paper considers that the information analysis based on thick data is interpretable, predictable and motivating, which is suitable for exploratory research, has interdisciplinary theoretical basis and can complement with big data analysis, and can be used as a new direction of information analysis research.