Content management means structured writing. To make information ready for reuse, we need to adopt an object-oriented approach.

Structured writing starts with a redesign project. It means discovering the Information Types that your customers need to support their work activities and reach their goals.

Typical Information Types for documentation and training

• tasks or procedures
• concepts
• reference information
• learning objectives
• practice exercises
• evaluation

Every topic we design and write is based on an Information Type. We combine Information Types into larger groupings to create complete content. In some cases, the content comes out in Tables of Contents and books; in others, we produce Lessons and Courses. We mix and match the content to provide unique deliverables that meet our customers' personal needs.

Information Types

Information Types consist of Content Units that govern what we write and in what order we present information. Content units are the basic structural elements of our information. They might include

• titles
• purpose statements
• step-by-step instructions
• pre-requisites
• command syntax diagrams
• references to related information

Unlike the competition, we strongly believe that Information Types and Content Units must be developed organically, not imposed by a rigid formula from the outside. Information Types and their Content Units grow from minimalist principles. They emerge from our understanding of what our customers need to know.

Structured Writing leads naturally to XML authoring. We can work with you to develop XML templates (called Document Type Definitions or DTDs) and assist you in moving to an XML authoring system. We work closely with Adobe FrameMaker and Arbortext Epic Editor.

Consider our workshop, Structured Writing for Single Sourcing. You'll learn to create your own Information Types and Content Units.

Read about Cisco Systems' use of structured writing techniques to design and implement their new learning systems. Find out more about Reusable Learning Objects.

Bring training for your team in-house and work on your own content in the customized Structured Writing Workshop.

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.