Research notes
The following research notes are currently available. They are all in PDF format. You can get a free Acrobat reader from the Adobe Acrobat web site.
If you have comments on any of these research notes, please send them in to research@namahn.com.
Content Mapping (PDF, 874K, January 2006)
Content Mapping is the theoretical framework used by Namahn's information designers to turn traditional, sequential information into manageable and re-usable document-like content objects, ready for multiple purposes.
Mobile Solutions (PDF, 323K, January 2006)
A study of the actual environment and context in which mobile solutions are likely to be used, from a user-centered perspective. The needs of field workers are specifically considered, as this group drives early adoption of innovative solutions.
Design Guidelines (PDF, 266K, January 2006)
In this note, Namahn offers practical advice on setting up a company-wide design guidelines project, or 'style guide'—based on numerous client projects.
E-learning (PDF, 440K, March 2002)
A general introduction to e-learning, covering the following topics: e-learning in the business world of today, its connection with knowledge management and content management, tools and e-learning architectures, costs and benefits of e-learning.
Content Management (PDF, 180K, January 2002)
What is Content Management (CM)? What are possible CM systems? What's Namahn's approach to CM? What are the advantages of using XML as the single source for multiple channels?
Metadata (PDF, 67K, January 2003)
In recent years we have seen the rise of several, often conflicting, projects and standards for cataloguing electronic resources. This research note provides insight into the fast evolving world of metadata.
Minimalism (PDF, 80K, January 2002)
An introduction to minimalism as a new approach to documentation design.
Information Mapping (PDF, 95K, December 2001)
Information Mapping is a method to analyse, write and present information. It provides users with ways of scanning, skipping and retrieving information they need quickly and easily. Find out more about this method that has been around for more than 25 years.
Darwin Information Typing Architecture (PDF, 130K, December 2001)
An introduction to the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) which highlights its relationship to other information architectures like DocBook and Information Mapping.
Natural Language Processing for intranet searches (PDF, 55K, December 2001)
This research note examines how and if Natural Language Processing (NLP) should be used for searching on intranets (as opposed to using NLP for searching on Internet sites). It tries to determine if the cost of implementing NLP outweighs the benefits.
Controlled Languages (PDF, 60K, November 2001)
A controlled language (CL) is an artificially defined subset of a natural language with strict terminology, syntax, and/or semantics. Why and when is it used? What are its key benefits and what difficulties do authors encounter when using CL tools?
Using eye tracking for usability testing (PDF, 420K, November 2001)
This research note explores how and if eye tracking should be used for usability testing on intranets and Internet sites. It provides insight in the eye-tracking technology, lists benefits and constraints of eye tracking in usability testing, and includes different study results.
Touch screens (PDF, 40K, March 2000)
A short briefing on the advantages and disadvantages of touch screens, on touch resolution, touch user interfaces etc.