Content Aggregation
Organize your content in an intuitive, intelligent manner.
Over the last decade of conducting website intercept research, we found that the number one reason for task failure is that site visitors were unable to find what they were looking for. In our efforts to better understand the “why” behind poor “findability,” we found that the site’s taxonomy is a primary influence.
Content Aggregation often referred to as Taxonomy Research, refers to the way you categorize and organize data and/or content in your website.
Imagine your site’s taxonomy as aisles or departments in a grocery store. If you were looking for milk, you would most likely head to the dairy case of your grocery store. But what if the store manager thought a better place to put the milk was near the baked goods on the other side of the store because they’re commonly consumed together? Better yet, what if the store manager put the alternative, plant-based milk over by the produce section instead of with the rest of the dairy? While you can see the train of thought the store manager was following, it doesn’t exactly fall in line with where most people would search for the milk and that could result in a lot of very confused, frustrated customers.
Whether you start from scratch or are seeking to optimize an existing taxonomy, it is critical to understand how visitors will locate information on your site. Our user-driven research approach will help you improve the “findability” of information on your site and provide a more successful visitor experience.
Content Aggregation research methods
Usability Sciences believes a multiphase research approach is best for arriving at a recommended taxonomy. After collecting your objectives, Usability Sciences will create a customized research solution that takes advantage of the following research activities and ensures a high quality, cost-effective outcome:
CARD SORTING is a research method used to find out how people think your content should be organized. It is typically used when the goal is to create a new taxonomy.
"TREE TESTING" is used to evaluate the findability, labeling, and organization of an existing taxonomy or newly proposed one.
EXPERT REVIEW of a competitor’s taxonomy is a method that can help you understand how your competitors approach their online taxonomy.
FOCUS GROUPS provide perspective from target audiences on their preferences for locating information, how those viewpoints relate to the taxonomy, and any additional insights that could impact future taxonomy decisions.
STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS provide a deeper understanding of each stakeholder’s role, as well as an overall understanding of the organizational requirements of the taxonomy and its associated maintenance process. Discussions are conducted with those impacted by or having an impact on the website’s taxonomy.
What to expect from taxonomy research
Usability Sciences’ multiphase approach will provide you with recommendations on:
- How to organize your site’s content: We will do an inventory of all the content on your site and its relevance and give you recommendations on where it should live within your taxonomy.
- What to name each category: Giving your site pages easily identifiable and understandable categories not only helps you organize your content better but helps guide your customers to the most likely place they’ll find what they’re looking for.
- Where content should be placed: This is putting the milk in the dairy case or the produce in the produce section. Placing your content in areas on your website that make sense to the general consumer makes for a better user experience.
Ready to get started?
Contact us for a preliminary consultationThe issues that will impact your business’s future are out there. Let us help you identify them and guide you and your team to the solutions and insights you need to overcome them. Contact our team today.