What is Information Architecture and Who Needs It?
If all you need is a one-off User Manual or Installation Guide we can usually just roll up our sleeves and get to work. But if your content has any of the following complexities, the documentation process will benefit from an Information Architecture analysis and planning phase. In fact, at times it may be enough to only receive from us an Information Architecture analysis and then have your in-house writers implement our plan.
The Information Architecture Checklist
- Is your content being re-used? For example, is there a Product Overview section shared by multiple manuals? Is the same document created in multiple flavors for OEM purposes?
- Do specific types of content require involvement of specialized personnel? For example, Developer's Reference sections require access to developers and the expertise of a highly-skilled technical writer.
- Does the same content appear in multiple documents and help files but you don't have a methodology for ensuring consistency?
- Do chunks of content get re-used from version to version while only parts of a document change?
- Does the same content get published in multiple formats like PDF and on-line help?
- Are your documents translated into other languages?
How Does JBS Offer Information Architecture Services?
For smaller projects JBS includes Information Architecture as part of the basic offering.
Information Architecture and Writing
For complex projects delivered by JBS we may define an Information Architecture phase that can last a couple of days, weeks or even a few months. During this phase we analyze and define an architecture and then undergo a series of test cases by creating sample documents conforming to the architecture. This allows us to refine and prove the approach.
Stand-Alone Information Architecture Projects
JBS also offers stand-alone Information Architecture services. Even if your in-house writers are handling a given task, you can benefit from our analytical system approach. Sometimes the expertise of an outsider's perspective can make all the difference in the quality of your project.