This week, we covered content reuse, which sounds like an obvious, simple idea that saves an incredible amount of time, but can actually be quite complex to implement.
The Content Closet
Val Swisher’s presentation on content reuse was a goldmine of information and notes. For my current position, I’m developing a script for software training presentations. However, every “client” using the software has different needs and different processes so every training utilizes different examples. With Swisher’s concepts of a content closet, I’m excited to develop a small component library I can pull from for each client’s training. If I can build out a file structure (a closet) and start with the training basics (a capsule wardrobe), I can create each client’s specific training materials quickly and efficiently (add statement pieces) and save the information–and possibly the training recording–for future use (yay, new outfit!).
I am concerned I don’t currently have a style guide to work from, though. My coworker and I present information very differently and can struggle with presenting unified terminology (I’m user-oriented, they are software-oriented). Right now, I don’t really have the time to properly meld our unique perspectives together so we present a united front (I’m giving a training next week). I’m definitely excited about Digital Literacies in a few weeks and learning how to flesh this out a bit more.
DITA
I dug a little deeper into the calculating content reuse article and found links that explain DITA, a term I’ve heard referenced a few times in the class but have no prior knowledge of its meaning. Between the article and the new information, I think I’m finally beginning to understand how all the puzzle pieces fit together in terms of content strategy. I also believe I have an idea for the direction I want to take in the roadmap assignment for our course client. They have a closet with clothes but only a little organization and no style in how they use them (read: no style guide.) If we can make sure the structure fits within DITA, we can create (and organize) content specific to the client’s key users.
This week’s learning materials ultimately reminds me of The Home Edit but for content. Take everything out of the closet, restructure the closet if necessary, sort by color (aka, style), label (label, label, label) put it back in the closet, and voila, decluttered, easily accessible content.
Photo by Marcus Loke on Unsplash