Más contenido relacionado La actualidad más candente (20) Similar a Taxonomy Design for the Short on Time (20) Taxonomy Design for the Short on Time1. Taxonomy Design
for the Short on Time
Presented by Fred Leise
SLA 2012
July 16
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 1
2. About Me
Owner and principal, ContextualAnalysis, providing
taxonomy and user experience consulting services since
1995.
Back-of-book indexer and indexing instructor
(UC Berkeley Extension Online)
Past-president, American Society for Indexing
Manager, taxonomy team, Sears Holdings Corporation
Bio available at: www.contextualanalysis.com
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 2
3. Overview
This session will not cover the details of
creating the taxonomy itself, but focuses
on the organizational structures and
processes needed to establish a taxonomy
program.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 3
4. Overview
For an optimized taxonomy design project
you need to know:
What your goals are
What tasks you are performing
Why you are doing them
Who is working with you and what they are
responsible for
When you need to be finished
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 4
5. Overview
The clearer you are on these, the faster you
can work without the need to redo work
you have already completed.
You will also be able to delegate more work
and keep the project on track.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 5
7. Overview
Work smarter
Do your most unpleasant task first
Do your most important tasks after that
Make progress on the big project every day
Don’t try to multitask; it doesn’t work
Plan the project; work the checklist
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 7
11. Sponsorship
An executive who will:
put his or her active support behind the project
actively recommend the project to other
executives
obtain necessary budget and other resources
provide appropriate visibility for the project to
executive leadership
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 11
13. Sponsorship: Action Steps
Identify potential sponsors; meet with them
to discuss project.
Identify the single best individual to
champion your project and get their
agreement to be the sponsor.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 13
14. Ownership
The individual responsible for actively
managing or overseeing the project. You?
Helps plan project
Helps manage resources
Keeps project on track
Supports individuals working on the project
Enlists help from sponsor when necessary to
remove barriers
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 14
15. Ownership: Action Steps
With help of sponsor, identify the individual
with the passion and the drive necessary to
ensure successful completion of the
project.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 15
16. Stakeholders
Anyone impacted by the project or who
needs to be consulted or informed about
the project
Content creators
Content users
IT
Customers/Members/Public
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 16
17. Stakeholders: Action Steps
Identify all project stakeholders. Involve
them as necessary/appropriate.
Establish appropriate communication plan
for stakeholders.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 17
18. Scope
Failure to properly determine project scope
is one of the major reasons for failure
Agree to scope before the project starts
Beware of scope creep
Do not be afraid of calling a request “out of
scope for phase 1”
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 18
19. Scope
Elements of scope
Divisions/departments to be included
(enterprise taxonomy?)
Number and types of taxonomies required
Use of taxonomies: across enterprise or within
individual departments/units? Which
departments?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 19
20. Scope
Elements of scope
Content types that will be covered by
taxonomy: documents? images? video?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 20
21. Scope
Elements of scope
Documents: reports, white papers, research
papers, product manuals, contracts, material
safety data sheets, user-generated content
(UGC)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 21
22. Scope
Elements of scope
Images: product images, employees, museum
collections
Videos: educational, training, product use
Extent of metadata (depends on how content
will be stored/used)
Phased approach
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 22
24. Scope: Action Steps
Work with sponsor, owner, and
stakeholders to establish and commit to
project scope
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 24
25. Context
The milieu in which the project will be
conducted: items outside of the project
itself that will have significant impact on it.
Understanding the context mitigates
against surprises
Purpose
Project drivers/pain points
Desired project outcome
Technical limitations
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 25
26. Context
Tools used to build and maintain the taxonomy:
existing/new; internally/externally sourced
Format for taxonomy: Excel? XML?
Related technology and its metadata
capabilities, e.g., DAM, CMS
Users of the taxonomy (internal/external)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 26
27. Context
Does content exist or does it need to be
created/acquired as part of the project?
Sources of content: users, 3rd party content
providers, internally generated
Taxonomy sources: existing internal, new
internal, free, purchased
Existing internal taxonomy capabilities, e.g.,
existing, need to be expanded, or need to
engage external resources?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 27
28. Context: Action Steps
Be sure you understand and document the
context of your taxonomy project so there
are no surprises as you move forward.
Better to know things now than to have to
spend time redoing parts of the project.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 28
29. Costs
Time: How long will the project take?
Resources: Who will be working on the
project and creating the taxonomy? What is
the cost of those resources?
Software: Will software development/
purchase costs be included?
Don’t forget to include integration costs if
purchasing new taxonomy software.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 29
30. Benefits
Who benefits and how?
Find information faster = Time savings =
cost savings
Reduced duplication of effort = greater
efficiency = cost savings
Get customers to content/products faster =
increased revenue
Quantify benefits for building the case.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 30
32. Proof of Concept
A demonstration or smaller scope project
proving the benefits of your taxonomy
project
Consider completing a proof of concept
project to help promote buy-in if your
taxonomy project is large, expensive, or
involves multiple resources
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 32
33. Proof of Concept
Consider using a limited set of documents,
those from a single department, or within a
single general subject area
Perform relevant user testing to establish
benefits of using the taxonomy
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 33
35. Getting Buy-In
With proof of concept and cost/benefit
information in hand, it should be easy to
get executive buy-in for the taxonomy
program.
Schedule a meeting with the executive
sponsor. Get their buy-in and let that
individual set meetings with additional
decision-makers.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 35
36. Getting Buy-In
Present the facts in a logical, concise
manner.
Help those unfamiliar with your project
understand how it can benefit their
department/division/unit.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 36
39. Processes
Define in detail exactly what steps you will
take in what order to create your
taxonomy.
See “Process Documentation” later
Knowing what you will be doing when helps
ensure there are no surprises along the way
that cause delays in development
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 39
40. Parallelism
Whenever possible, use multiple teams to
work parts of the taxonomy development
process in parallel, shortening overall
development time.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 40
41. Project Management
If available, engage a project manager to
move the process forward, making sure
teams stay on track.
This saves your time to focus on the
taxonomy development.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 41
42. Communication
Because teams will be working in parallel
and no one individual will have all of the
knowledge gathered, good communication
among the teams is important
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 42
43. Communication: Action Steps
Establish weekly meetings at which all
teams report on progress, identify possible
barriers, and share findings and knowledge
gained.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 43
46. Understand Stakeholder Needs
What content areas are of primary
importance? (Helps identify scope,
implementation phases)
Are there new content/product areas
planned?
Current content/product areas that will no
longer be supported?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 46
47. Understand Stakeholder Needs
What are their pain points?
For taxonomy revisions: what do they like/
not like about the current taxonomy? What
can you change? What can you not change?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 47
48. Understand Users
Are your users heterogeneous or
homogenous? (Multiple audiences or single
audience)
What are the different audiences?
How do their information needs differ?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 48
51. Understand Users
Methods: user interviews, surveys, card
sorting, task analysis (in person/remote)
Reflecting users’ mental models in your
taxonomy means users will find
information or products faster
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 51
52. Understand Users
If you have multiple audiences, be sure
users you interview or test represent those
different audiences
Challenge: identifying and scheduling
users.
Consider using a recruiting company with
experience in your field.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 52
53. Comparative Analysis
What do other similar organizations/
competitors use for their taxonomies?
Check publicly available websites,
trade/professional associations
What are the commonalities?
What do you like about the taxonomies?
What do you not like?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 53
54. Build/Buy
Do you build your own taxonomy or
buy/license an existing one?
Are there any existing taxonomies that
would serve you needs with little or only
minor modifications?
For example the taxonomy the covers most
of your content except for one top-level
subject category. Buy that, build the
missing piece.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 54
55. Build/Buy
Or, the taxonomy covers most of your
subject areas, but you need a deeper
vocabulary in a specific area. Again, you
can modify the original to meet your needs.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 55
57. Build/Buy
Sources
Taxonomywarehouse.com
Thesauri on-line (http://www.fbi.fh-
koeln.de/institut/labor/Bir/thesauri_new/thesen.htm#AG)
Thesauri A-Z
(http://hilt.cdlr.strath.ac.uk/hilt2web/Sources/thesauri.html)
Willpower Information
(http://www.willpowerinfo.co.uk/thesbibl.htm#taxonomies
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 57
58. Build/Buy
Does your organization have the internal
expertise/resources available to create your
own taxonomy?
Will you need to engage a taxonomy
consultant?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 58
60. Create/Buy the Taxonomy
Be sure your taxonomy meets relevant
standards, e.g., Dublin Core.
Dublin Core Metadata Element Set
(dublincore3.org/documents/dces/)
Are there other metadata standards for
your organization that you need to meet?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 60
61. Validate/Modify
With you taxonomy in place, validate it with
the appropriate stakeholders and modify as
appropriate based on their input.
Test with content creators: can they
appropriately tag content?
Test with users: can they browse to
relevant content or products based on the
taxonomy
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 61
62. Implement
The complete, revised taxonomy is now
implemented in the various systems in
which it will be used.
You have consulted with IT about their
format needs, right? So you know if they
can handle and Excel file or need XML.
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 62
63. Maintain
No taxonomy is every “complete” or “final.”
There will always be a need to change or
update the vocabulary.
Establish triggers for taxonomy review:
Mergers
Acquisitions
Change in mission
New audiences
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 63
64. Maintain
Be sure you have a maintenance process in
place.
Who can suggest new terms?
How do they do that?
Who has the authority to modify the
vocabulary?
How are stakeholders notified of changes?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 64
66. Change Management
What processes and workflows will the new
taxonomy affect and how will they be
affected?
Who are all of the individuals impacted by
the changes?
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 66
67. Change Management
Communicate early and often to
constituents (internal and external)
Project updates
What changes are coming
When the changes will happen
What will it mean for them
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 67
68. Change Management
Provide training in new processes/
workflows/methodologies
In-person or online workshops
Asynchronous training materials (podcasts)
Training documentation
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 68
70. Project Documentation
Creating and following two documents
ensures that your project can be completed
in the shortest amount of time:
Process flow
(what happens in what order)
Work plan
(who does what when)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 70
72. Process Flow
Linear, sequential list of all tasks in the
project
May include time period/dates
Names of individuals responsible for task
Importance (H, M, L)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 72
73. Process Flow
Taxonomy Development Process
Individual Start
Item Responsible Duration Date H, M, L Notes
1. Identify potential sponsors
1.1. Contact potential sponsors and
discuss project 2 days
1.2. Review discussions and identify
project sponsor 1 day
2. Identify project owner 1 day
3. Establish project scope (meet
with sponsor/owner) 1 hr
4. Identify stakeholders 2 days
5. Identify project team 3 days
5.1. Hold project kickoff meeting 2 hrs
5.2. Establish roles/responsibilities 1 hr
6. Interview stakeholders
6.1. Create questionnaire 8 hrs
6.2. Schedule interviews 2 hrs
6.3. Perform interviews 10 hrs
6.4. Analyze interviews 10 hrs
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 73
74. Work Plan: Swim Lane Document
Graphical display of:
What teams/individuals are involved
What tasks each performs
Order of tasks
Dependencies/timing
(same tasks as process flow)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 74
75. Work Plan: Swim Lane Document
Taxonomy Process
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 75
76. RACI Chart
Responsible for completing that step in the
process
Accountable for ensuring step is
completed/decision authority
Consulted prior to completion of step
Informed of results once step is completed
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 76
79. Resources
Dublin Core Metadata Element Set
dublincore3.org/documents/dces/
Organising Knowledge: Taxonomies,
Knowledge and Organisational
Effectiveness, Patrick Lambe
(organizingknowledge.com)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 79
80. Resources
Metadata for Still Images
http://www.niso.org/apps/group_public/projec
t/details.php?project_id=69 (ANSI/NISO
standards for digital still images)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 80
81. Resources
Spencer, Donna, Card Sorting, Rosenfeld
Media, 2009
Taxonomies and Other Resources
www.taxonomywarehouse.com (owned by Dow
Jones)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 81
82. Resources
Taxonomy Software
www.willpowerinfo.co.uk/thessoft.htm (list of
thesaurus software)
Thesaurus Standards
http://www.niso.org/apps/group_public/projec
t/details.php?project_id=46 (ANSI/NISO
guidelines for monolingual thesauri)
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 82
84. Resources
Wax, Dustin “50 Tricks to Get Things Done
Faster, Better, and More Easily.” Available
at:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/5
0-tricks-to-get-things-done-faster-better-
and-more-easily.html
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 84
85. Contact Information
Fred Leise
www.contextualanalysis.com
fredleise@contextualanalysis.com
773.764.2588
@ChicagoIndexer
© 2012 by ContextualAnalysis 85