Information Management and Architecture

At the core of our information management consulting is our lengthy history designing information architectures for web sites, intranets, and extranets. We understand the challenges with managing growth, planning for scalability, designing flexible architectures for multiple audiences, and integrating site architecture with page-level architecture and navigation.

We are adept redesigning existing architectures, from large government sites that serve hundreds of thousands of pages with diverse audience needs to small sites designed for highly targeted audiences.

Our information architectures are developed to work within a specific content management system or independently of any specific technology.

Place Names Taxonomy

Using a relational database XIST created database of Ottawa place names. XIST populated the database with current and historic neighbourhood names using a standard thesaurus style structure (Use, Use for, Scope Notes, Broader terms, Narrower terms).

Timeline Visualization

XIST created a visualization of historical data using the SIMILE Timeline Widget with Drupal views.

The project included configuring the SIMLILE Widget and Drupal to run on a local webserver, without internet access.

Web Site Development

XIST recently finished the first iteration of a community oriented website. The project involved extensive stakeholder consultations and information architecture planning. XIST carried out an environmental scan of webb content management systems and selected Drupal.

More information and a full project description will be coming after the official site launch.

Information Architecuture Design

Project: XIST developed for a government organization the strategic plan and information architecture of a portal web site that promotes physical activity to Canadians. The work required:

  • design and execution of user needs assessment interviews with key stakeholders
  • extensive online research across three tiers of government web sites to identify similar content offerings and programs
  • development of recommendations for the new site's purpose, objectives, and design principles

Ottawabookkeeping Web Site Development

Project: XIST developed a new web site for an accounting and bookkeeping company. The site has been tremendously successful in generating leads and expanding sales. Services included:

  • information architecture design
  • CSS controlled user interface design
  • content development
  • search engine optimization, and
  • online marketing

Levator Web Site Development

Project: XIST redesigned a web site for a Canadian builder of world-class rowing shells and single racing sculls. The project included a broad range of integrated services:

  • online marketing strategy design
  • application development and content management system design
  • content development
  • user interface design
  • multimedia podcast development
  • search engine optimization

Site Analysis and Information Architecuture Redesign

Project: For a federal organization, XIST completed a site review that included surveying users, reviewing departmental communications strategy, conducting stakeholder interviews, and analyzing site statistics. The outcome was the creation of a revised information architecture with content and services recommendations to reposition the site for emerging needs.

Microsoft Sharepoint and Collaboration Technologies Assessment

Completed Project: XIST provided services to evaluate content and file management solutions in an attempt to improve organizational file sharing and workgroup collaboration for DND.

XIST recommended Microsoft Sharepoint to help solve problems associated with file management and retrieval on shared network drives. The potential use for developing community of practice (CoPs) was examined.

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