Strategy
Content Type Mapping
Before you build, map your content. Content type mapping identifies each content type, its attributes, relationships, and purpose. Unplanned content models lead to unmaintainable systems. You can't scale unstructured content.
Duration
2 hours
Group Size
3-5
Category
Strategy
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will:
- Identify content types in current or planned systems.
- Define attributes and fields for each content type.
- Map relationships between content types.
- Create a foundation for content management and scalability.
Participants will deliver:
- Documented content types with attributes and relationships.
- A foundation for content management system design.
- A shared vocabulary for content discussions.
Content type is the underlying structure; a template is the visual presentation. One content type can have multiple templates. Don't confuse them. Map the types first; templates come later.
"Page" is too broad and not useful. It doesn't tell you anything about structure. "Product page for shoes" is likely too specific and shouldn't be different from "Product page for shirts." Finding the right level of distinction can be tricky.
Content relationships define user experience. If reviews can't connect to products, users can't find relevant reviews. If authors can't connect to articles, bylines break. Model relationships explicitly. This content model enables CMS selection. If you don't know your types, attributes, and relationships, you're guessing at what system fits. Model first, tools second.
"Page" is too broad and not useful. It doesn't tell you anything about structure. "Product page for shoes" is likely too specific and shouldn't be different from "Product page for shirts." Finding the right level of distinction can be tricky.
Content relationships define user experience. If reviews can't connect to products, users can't find relevant reviews. If authors can't connect to articles, bylines break. Model relationships explicitly. This content model enables CMS selection. If you don't know your types, attributes, and relationships, you're guessing at what system fits. Model first, tools second.
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