Information Architecture and XML

The purpose of information architecture is to figure out what content needs to be created to meet user needs, how the content is structured, and how the elements of the content relate to each other.

An information architecture aims to:

• Reduce the cost of not finding information
• Improve the consistency of the information
• Reduce the cost of redundant information
• Strengthen a company's brand by supporting a common corporate information structure
• Support information exchange and reuse across business functions

3di uses its experience in designing and implementing XML information architectures and provides support in:

• Identifying information architecture requirements
• Designing XML architectures or identifying the most appropriate architecture from existing architectures
• Evaluating possible architecture standards such as DITA and Information Mapping®
• Carrying out the information design for the architectural components and information products

Case study
3di provides XML information architecture consultancy to the global leader in mobile phones and mobile communications. The architecture, which spans several business organizations, covers the information required to support the development of mobile phones and related products.

3di has:

• Analysed user requirements across business functions
• Evaluated candidate XML information architectures based on customer requirements
• Specified a common XML information architecture
• Prototyped the information architecture to demonstrate the costs and benefits