Information Architecture
Taxonomy
Definition
Taxonomy is the glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term used to classify and organise content into structured categories. It defines how content is grouped, named, and related within a product or system.
In practice
Used to create consistent glossaryCategorisationCategorisation is the process of grouping content or items based on shared characteristics or meaning. It helps users understand relationships and find relevant information more easily.Open glossary term across content, improving glossaryFindabilityFindability is how easily users can locate the information or content they are looking for within a product or system. It depends on clear structure, intuitive navigation, and effective search, ensuring users can get to what they need without friction.Open glossary term, glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term, and search.
The reality
A messy taxonomy creates confusion everywhere - in glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term, glossarySearchSearch is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on indexing, metadata, and relevance algorithms to return useful results.Open glossary term, and content management.
Plain English
A glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term for organising content into categories.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is taxonomy in UX?
Taxonomy is a glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term for classifying and organising content.
Why is taxonomy important?
It improves glossaryFindabilityFindability is how easily users can locate the information or content they are looking for within a product or system. It depends on clear structure, intuitive navigation, and effective search, ensuring users can get to what they need without friction.Open glossary term, glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term, and glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term.
Where is taxonomy used?
In glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term, glossarySearchSearch is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on indexing, metadata, and relevance algorithms to return useful results.Open glossary term, and content management glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
What makes a good taxonomy?
glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term, glossaryConsistencyConsistency is the use of uniform patterns, behaviours, and visual elements across a product to create familiarity and predictability. It helps users learn once and apply that knowledge throughout the experience.Open glossary term, and glossaryAlignmentAlignment is the shared understanding and agreement between teams, stakeholders, and objectives.Open glossary term with user expectations.
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