Structure the Knowledge Tree
Step 2: Construct the Knowledge Tree
Collect Topics
Cluster Topics
Rules to build the structure
- Find the structure in your knowledge.
You'll need this, to build the knowledge tree in SABIO.
This is the most difficult step.
You not only need to collect the knowledge for your audience but also sort it. - First, you collect every little bit of information that you consider useful (no matter if this is a broad area or detailed bits of information).
Put them down on index cards. Get as many as you can get/think of. - Once finished you need to cluster the cards by topic/theme (Use the floor if need be)
Try to find clusters of knowledge by grouping cards that you think belong to each other.
Rules:
When building the tree, stick to the rules:
- max of 6 levels deep (branches sideways)
- max of 10 branches within a level
- The biggest and most important topics make it to level 1 (still - 10 max)
- One Solution for one topic. Too many ways to get to one bit of information confuse the user.
- At no point, a single branch is an option:
Simple logic: if you want to split knowledge to multiple steps/themes/topics, you also need to branch out the tree.
If there is only one sub-text, you do not need the branch. - Texts ALWAYS reside on the lowest level. This can be level 4, 6 or whatever, but within the tree it is always the lowest.
- Split topics to such an extent that the information fits a screen. Make the Texts short without frill. No one likes scrolling.
- Branch titles should be precise, short and easy to understand. Do not use technical terms or abbreviations.
Tips: Do not rebuild your organizational structure in the tree. This changes permanently anyway. |