The goal of the series is to do a quick overview of a taxonomy governance initiative focusing on the three main groups (Taxonomist, IT/System and Enterprise) that need to work together- and what they need to achieve- in order for the project to be successful.

Part I talks about the role of the taxonomist in effectively governing a taxonomy.

Part II discusses IT’s role and the importance of selecting the right Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system for the initiative.

Part III emphasizes the role of the Enterprise in taking responsibility for the success of the taxonomy initiative and enforcing the governance provisions.

We conducted user testing in the form of a closed card sort and multiple tree tests using Optimal Workshop’s awesome tools. Not only did the results of the card sort and tree testing inform the taxonomy redesign, but Optimal Workshop’s OptimalSort and Treejack created great visual deliverables that we used to show the client how we were progressing and the improvements that we were making.

As a taxonomist and information architect, it was a revelation to not only incorporate user testing into a taxonomy project, but have compelling metrics and visual deliverables instead of just a spreadsheet to present to the client.

I wrote an article about the project that was recently posted on the Fell Swoop blog.

X-posted on brianleblanc.info.