|
Author: Bryan Mjaanes Article source: http://www.macosx.com/. Used with author's permission.
While it may seem like a "quick and easy" task, defining the navigation structure and organization of your intranet site will be one of the most challenging tasks you will face in the course of your project. It is also one of the most critical success factors. The site structure, also referred to as the information architecture or taxonomy, is the foundation of your intranet. Creating an effective taxonomy is as much an art as it is a science. Use the wrong terms and your users won't be able to navigate by intuition. Make your site too deep and they will never find the content they're looking for.
One common myth is that if you integrate a search engine with your site you don't need to focus as much on the taxonomy. This is completely false. All web users can be generalized into one of 2 buckets; "browsers" or "searchers". Searchers, of course, will first use a search engine to locate content while browsers will manually look for the desired information by navigating the taxonomy. This is not to say that browsers never search, or vice versa, it merely suggests that all users have a preference for one method or the other when attempting to locate content. The most efficient site will have a well-organized taxonomy AS WELL AS a good search engine to satisfy both types of users.
Building your taxonomy
Creating a taxonomy on your own is arguably the best approach. After all, no one knows your organization's culture and terminology better than you. If you're short on professional taxonomists here are some tips to keep in mind when defining your taxonomy.
- The overall taxonomy should be wide, not deep
- Use primary terms rather than marketing oriented or slang terms (the goal is to use language that can be understood by a new employee on their first day of work)
- Try to keep some rigidity to the taxonomy, at least at the top levels -- this promotes familiarity for the users and enhances usability
- Build two taxonomies; the primary being functional-centric and the secondary being organization-centric underneath the functional-centric
- Try to limit your structure to just 2-7 items under each branch, otherwise consolidate
- Use real content to validate your taxonomy
- Define, validate, re-tool, define, validate, re-tool, and so on -- taxonomy development is an iterative process
- The structure should be very broad on top and narrow at the lowest levels
Remember that the taxonomy is a tool to locate content. The best way to verify you have a model that works is to use focus groups to test the structure. Ask the group where they would expect to find a specific example of content within the structure and see if that maps with what you've defined. If they keep missing, you need to go back and re-work the structure based on their feedback. Bryan A. Mjaanes
Intranet101.com Admin
http://www.Intranet101.com
Check Out The Wonders Of Tea Tree Oil
Learn about the history and uses of tea tree oil and how it can benefit you.
Send Your Website An INSTANT Surge Of FREE Targeted Traffic Using T.O.D.
This article explains how to create an avalanche of FREE targeted traffic using T.O.D.(Traffic On Demand).
Quick and Easy Violin Mute
Yes, you can buy a violin mute -- or you can make one in seconds with two simple household items!
The 3 Imperatives to Success
Success in any endeavor demands following a pre-ordained order. I didn't invent it, you didn't invent it - it just is. Find out exactly what it takes to succeed...
Shih Tzu - The First Imports to The British Isles
First Imports to British Isles - These Shih Tzu truly looked like a shaggy mess. It is a wonder they ever become so popular. It would seem that an un-tidy, un...
Analyzing Internet Sales
Marketing analyses are constantly performed by companies around the world to measure their effectiveness and how to deal with the new customer's behaviors, and ...
It is a Challenge to Succeed
(excerpted from The Challenge to Succeed audio series)
How a Digital Camera Works
The digital camera is not something of a magic box that came out of the blue and made wonders! The digital camera is very much like the conventional analog came...
Do People See Visions Anymore?
In the information age with hi-tech devices, computers and GPS tracking devices is it reasonable to believe that human beings can still experience a vision or a...
Wholesale Body Jewelry: How To Find The Best Wholesale Body Jewelry Deals For EBay
Wholesale body jewelry is a hot product category for eBay sellers.
Hand Hooked Rugs
Add Splendor To Your Room Using Exquisite Designer Hand Hooked Rugs
MLM Success - In MLM, Why Do People Resist Change?
Do you understand why your prospects and distributors resist change? If you don't, what is that costing you? Read On!
Metaphysical Marketing
Let's explore the use of prosperity principles in our business or profession and discuss the foundation and the underlying causes of success. All of the know-ho...
Search Term Suggestion Tool
An overview of an easy to use tool that will help bring more traffic into your website.
Can Honest Copywriting Succeed?
Honest copy is more effective than "hype copy" if it treats the reader as
intelligent. Readers will believe honesty but see through hype. And yet,
a good hone...
How Do You Build Momentum in Your Business and Life?
Are Your Results Suffering Due to a Lack of Momentum?
Volatile Range
Short-term stock market forecast.
Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job
1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how much you want to escape. When you find yourself sharing the latest horror story, stop in mid-sentence and say,...
Do You Really Care What People Think?
If you do, you probably need to do something positive about those important outside audiences of yours that most affect your operation.
Three Phases to Email Sensitivity
Writing emails requires sensitivity to the reader. This
article discusses how to sensitize yourself, whether you are
a reader or an email writer, to both sides....
The Three Largest Factors In Your Interest Rate
There are three major factors that affect how much you pay for a loan. Understanding these factors can save you time, money and frustration. 1. The Federal Re...
A Simple Guide to Analyzing All Those Web Traffic Ideas - Part 3
You have already submitted to all the free search engines and directories. You wait. Weeks pass and your site is still not listed. You need traffic. You're desp...
Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding
The job of choosing the right wedding cake style is the responsibility of both the future bride and groom. The style of cake you'll choose will largely depend ...
Bird Watching Journals – Preserve Your Bird Watching Experiences
Bird Watching is a great way to escape the rat race and be one with nature. Alas, your bird watching experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent thi...
|
Print this page