Building context into IA projects -- a review of successful structures and processes
The best taxonomies and ontologies reflect user needs, with context that defines whether a nose refers to a face, an aircraft or a horserace. My talk will review the steps and structures for expanding a successful multi-faceted taxonomy into a full ontology. Extending a hierarchy with extra elements – synonyms, related terms and relationships plus associated keywords – provides the richer context that users need for relevant information retrieval and delivery. User-centric processes also supply needed context, from involving appropriate subject specialists to analysing key documents.
About Jonathan
Jonathan is a specialist in information architecture and content management. He's committed to harnessing computer technology and software to make information production, retrieval and distribution more effective and efficient.
He's built and implemented content classification schemes and information management processes for UK government agencies, global companies and influential charities. His projects have covered media, financial services, law, telecoms, education, health care and consumer products.
He spent much of his 25-year journalism career at Reuters, specialising in financial markets and then digital content production. Jonathan devised the core classification and metadata scheme for Reuters multimedia news and data products. Iterations of this scheme are still in use at the Reuters spin-off Refinitiv, the data and financial analysis company now owned by the London Stock Exchange Group.
Jonathan then ran his own information architecture consultancy, InfoArk, for 20 years. His clients included the International Financial Corporation, Unilever, Clifford Chance, Cambridge University, Dow Jones, Times Newspapers, Which?, the UK Care Quality Commission, the NHS in Scotland, the Department for International Development, Oxfam International and online retailer Shop Direct Group.