Design Document: Identifying Content The content that will be used within the site must satisfy the goals which were previously defined and appeal to the identified target audience.
The Process of Identifying Content
As we've seen with the identification of goals and audience, we again want to involve as many people as possible to help identify content for the site. Each person should be given a list of the goals and target audiences from which they can list all possible content items that they feel would be required and useful. -
What is the Goal? -
What content will achieve that goal - What must be provided? - How will you provide the identified content so it will appeal to, and be usable by the target audience?
| Goal | | Possible Content | | To provide in depth troubleshooting information on-line to the owners of our products. | >> | - Searchable database of owner manuals
- Searchable database of technical responses
- Frequently Asked Questions
| | Site will provide comprehensive maps and location information (address, business hours, phone and fax numbers) to users of the site. | >> | - Maps / Supporting Graphics
- Photographs of locations
- Lists of contact information
| | Site will have current parts catalogue with current pricing and part availability information. | >> | - Searchable database of parts
- Searchable Catalogue
- Updatable database of current pricing
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Create a conent listing of all the content required to satisfy the goals. Be as specific as you possible can. Two things have to happen from the content listing. First, you will determine from this list how the site wll be grouped and labeled. It sets the stage for the logical oraganization of your information. Secondly, it will provide for those that will be creating the content an actual list of what is required. If you are creating a section on the history of a company, who is going to develop that content? This can be determined within the content listing.
Getting the content you require to get the job done can often be a difficult process. Completing the content inventory helps to get others thinking about what they will need to provide/produce for the content. e.g. - write ups, pictures, logos, brochures etc.
Keep in mind that when thinking of content, we are referring to all elements that make up a web page such as text, images, and other various media elements. You may also list entire pages of content, as long as you remember to include what content will be contained within the page. This is why identifying the content is so crucial for success. How can you determine the layout of a webpage if you don't know what is going to be on it. After all parties have had a chance to compile a prospective content list, you should add any missed items that may have been useful from the competitive analysis survey. From this, you should be able to create a master content list for the site.
modifed: 2009-04-13 |
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