Content clustering
Web content services facilitates content clustering exercises to assist units in creating site maps reflective of their target audiences' needs and wants as well as specific organizational priorities. A site map is as it sounds, a structure for your website. It helps users navigate your site and is key to website usability.
The content clustering exercise, similar to a focus group, requires a minimum of a two-hour time commitment from no more than 10 participants.
How does a content clustering exercise work?
- The first activity is roundtable introductions and audience analysis.
- Next, participants identify items his or her target audience would want or need from the unit’s website. All ideas are considered.
- Through discussion all ideas are clustered by theme.
- Once all items are placed, every idea is reviewed, as are themes.
- Next, any omitted items, such as priorities that must be communicated, are added.
- Following the exercise the coordinating unit drafts a site map for the website based on information gathered during the exercise.
A few thoughts:
- Administrative employees are valuable participants as they are aware of repetitive requests for information.
- Theme clusters generate main navigational items, while the participant’s contributions identify audience-based menus.