Taxonomies are hierarchical information structures that form the backbones of successful Web sites and intranets. You could have great content and an attractive site design, but without a taxonomy that makes sense to users, your site's success will be limited.

Establishing a good taxonomy is essential in the early stages of a Web or intranet design or redesign project. Even if you don't plan a full-scale redesign, adjustments to your existing taxonomy can produce tangible benefits. When users find information and services easily, your business benefits.

A good taxonomy—

• shows what a Web site (or intranet) has to offer and how to access those offerings
• creates a logical information hierarchy and labeling system
• incorporates existing content and anticipates future content and services, making the site scalable over time
• supports search engine optimization
• uses metadata, or "tags" to aid search, retrieval, and cross-referencing

Our approach includes—

• analyzing your current site structure (jpg) and content
• analyzing your Web user audiences (jpg)
• mapping the proposed site structure (jpg)
• identifying content relationships and metadata
• user testing of paper prototypes (jpg) or functional wireframes (jpg) of the proposed information architecture, to ensure usability

We can develop a taxonomy for your Web site or intranet and train your staff to maintain the taxonomy on an ongoing basis. We also offer such related services as Web team development, Content Management Consulting and Training, Content Strategy, and Content Development.

Contact us for information about how your Web site or intranet can benefit from the solid and scalable foundation of a good taxonomy.