Developing a central, user-tested content hub at Cancer Research UK

Abstract

This paper describes the work that Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has done within its digital asset management (DAM) system, with respect to taxonomy, findability and the classification of assets. CRUK uses taxonomy to classify web and enterprise content, some of which it shares in its DAM system. As part of the organisation’s shift towards a more user-centred approach, CRUK investigated whether words used elsewhere in the organisation could be reused in the DAM system. Following previous success using card sorting, tree tests and guerrilla testing to refine digital products, these same methods were used to refine classification structures in the DAM system. Takeaways from this paper include understanding the importance of user research, relevant testing methods and reliance on fact rather than supposition to make decisions about classification words and structures. The paper concludes that the best way to improve user satisfaction is to start by consulting very people who use the DAM product.