The most difficult aspect of content planning is the assembly of modular components into compound documents. If the content is assembled appropriately, whether for static or dynamic delivery, it can be automatically rendered (through attached style sheets) in any form.

In Phase 3, we link your Information Model to your assembly and delivery method. Because the intent of content management is to improve the user's experience, we ensure that the way in which you organize the output of your content-management solution, especially on the Web, is governed by the Information Model.

Too often, we note problems with Web navigation that are the direct result of a flawed Information Model or a disconnect between the Information Model and its rendering on the Web. A complete Information Model includes not only the design of XML/SGML authoring, but also the assembly and delivery of content. Like the choice of a content-management system, your requirements for assembly, presentation, and delivery will have a significant impact on your Information Model. It is extremely important that your output requirement drive the model.

If your only deliverables are static books, Phase 3 can be quite straightforward, although you may find it frustrating and time-consuming to reach agreement on standard formats for delivery. Content plans for static books are tables of contents enhanced with annotations that explain how the sequence of chapters and sections serves the needs of the users. The same content plan applies whether the book is printed or delivered in PDF or HTML.

If you are authoring in XML or SGML, we will have to create a presentation style for print production. In well-constructed XML or SGML, you do not have information about the typography or the page layout included in the tags. The presentation style for print is created as an output formatting specification, which defines how the SGML-tagged text will appear in print. Defining print output with a detailed output specification can be difficult and time-consuming, so we plan early for this task.

A content plan, including assembly and presentation, for static Web delivery is more complex than a content plan for a book. Similarly, a content plan or information architecture for dynamic Web delivery is more complex than one for static Web delivery. In both cases, the content plan describes how the Web pages will be structured and how the navigation will work. The structure and navigation are guided by the Information Model.

When we look at Web sites that are guided by the Information Model, we find a firmly established structural and relational logic. Because the Information Model identifies the dimensions of the users' experience, the Web design enables the users to make decisions easily, from the home page, about how to find the information they need.

When we look at Web sites in which the Information Model either does not exist or does not inform the design, we see a site that is awkward and frustrating to navigate. The user is often confused about how to move through the links and has difficulty following links to a successful conclusion.

Deliverables

From Phase 3, we prepare content plans for each type of deliverable you intend to produce. Content plans for books can follow a standard table of contents arrangement, or they can be dynamically generated to meet specific user needs and preferences (custom documents), or an instantaneous system of operations needs. Content plans for static or dynamic Web sites are much more complex and should be developed using your Information Model as a base and employing techniques of User-Centered Design (UCD). For more information on UCD, see J. Hackos and J. Redish, User and Task Analysis for Interface Design.

After your Information Model and content plans are complete and your technology is at the early stages of implementation, it is time to begin your first pilot project.

Phase 4

If you would like to learn more about any of our consulting services or you would like to talk to a representative about scheduling an activity, please email or call 303-232-7586.