Section 15.3. Project Versus Program

15.3. Project Versus Program

All of this points toward the importance of evaluating information architecture staffing needs from both project and program perspectives.

First, companies must staff a short but intensive information architecture project to design an enduring foundation. Depending on the scale of your site, the project may require anywhere from 6 weeks to 18 months, and will involve research and the eventual development of an information architecture strategy. You need "big-picture" information architects who can design an overall strategic framework that integrates organization and navigation systems with the software, processes, and staffing responsibilities needed to bring it to life and keep it living. You also need "detail-oriented" information architects who can do the critical work of developing the controlled vocabularies for each facet. And, of course, the work of these individuals needs to be coordinated. In other words, you must staff this project with a well-organized team of professional information architects who bring real expertise and experience to the table. The quality of the work they do on this project will be something your organization lives with for a long time.

Second, you need to build an information architecture program that is focused on administration and continuous improvement. This will mostly require detail-oriented information architects who will be responsible for manual indexing and controlled vocabulary management. You may also want a "cartographer" who converts patterns in content, structure, and usage into useful maps and other navigation tools. And, if you're staffing at the enterprise level, you may want to hang on to your strategic information architects. (To learn more about information architecture for the enterprise, see Chapter 19.) They can provide the long-term vision and continuity to keep your site on track, and can also serve as consultants to the businesses and functions on subsite projects, promoting consistency throughout the organization.