September 02, 2002 New Thinking:
Information architecture: learning how to classify

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1. To organize the document in such a way that maximizes its ability to communicate knowledge.
2. To allow the reader to quickly find specific parts of the document.
3. To allow the reader to extract specific parts of various documents, and in so doing create a new document. For example, the reader might compile the summaries of ten documents dealing with the European car industry. (Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) is useful for this sort of task.)

Classification experts tend to focus on organizing complete documents, books, music and other content. They classify for two reasons:

1. To organize the content so that it can be found quickly.
2. To place the content in context so that it becomes part of a cohesive body of knowledge.

Here are some general rules of classification. They are useful whether you are classifying your emails, your content on your computer, or the content on your website.

1. Establish clear objectives. What do you want to use your email software for? Is it for personal use, for business use, or for both? Your objectives will frame the type of classifications you require.
2. Design classification like it will be 'written in stone.' You don't want to be changing your classification every six months. This will mean a lot of work and will create confusion.
3. Design for the total content environment. Don't just design for the content you have today. Try to have a long-term perspective. This will result in a much more robust classification.
4. Be practical. Your classification should be lean and mean. Overdoing classification can be as bad as not doing it at all.
5. Avoid duplication. Creating two classifications that are essentially the same leads to confusion.
6. Test. You should do as much testing as possible. Get feedback, particularly where you are creating a classification that you want other people to use.
7. Take your time. Speed is the enemy of quality classification. Don't rush. Consider each classification carefully. Your efforts will pay handsome dividends in the long-term.

Gerry McGovern


 

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