The DITA-OT Developer is responsible for developing and maintaining DITA Open Toolkit (DITA-OT)-based output plugins using XSLT and Java. This includes XSL-FO-based PDF deliverables, online HTML deliverables, and XML conversion utilities.

The Delivery Information Architect is responsible for designing and implementing the IA for specific content delivery channels or platforms. This role manages the content delivery experience, which is defined by the user journey through content in deliverables like website articles, app content, books, PDFs, etc.

The Content Strategist plays a crucial role in connecting business goals with various teams, including content creators, support, engineering, and marketing. The primary responsibility of the Content Strategist is to develop and execute initiatives for effectively communicating with both internal and external stakeholders. This role requires a strong understanding of technical concepts, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Every working Information Architect has a unique job description, list of responsibilities, and set of skills. Regardless of how broad and amorphous this role is, most Information Architects agree on one thing—this job is all about structuring and maintaining information so that it is findable and useable.

When you implement DITA, it’s important to identify at least one person – ideally, more than one – at the start of the project to lead the IA effort. The information architect is a permanent role whose contribution will continue as your content and business needs change.

In the realm of GenAI projects, the leadership and implementation are often spearheaded by IT teams. However, there is a growing recognition that content professionals should play a significant role in these initiatives. Unlike traditional IT-centric projects, GenAI projects heavily rely on the expertise of content professionals. When organizations involve the right people in these projects, they can propel these initiatives, transforming content into dynamic, user-centric solutions.

On January 17th, I participated in a panel discussion with Lief Erickson and Fabrice Lacroix. Having spent the last year or so integrating generative AI into our content work, we thought it was time to share our experiences.

Did you catch my ConVEx 2023 presentation with Leigh White, “Where’s Waldo: Finding Data in Your Content?” We covered a lot in 45 minutes—even so, we had to gloss over a ton of great info. To rectify this, we’re sharing this implementation checklist and resource list.

What’s the difference between platform dependent and platform independent deliverables? And why should we care? In this episode, Patrick Bosek and I talk troubleshooting and the difficulties of validating information architectural design and implementation.

The global volume of content is growing at exponential rates. We need more and more Information Architects to structure and direct that content to the appropriate people and places. In this podcast, Patrick Bosek and I discuss possible career entryways for aspiring Information Architects.

Patrick Bosek and Amber Swope discuss the history of Information Architecture, the value of DITA, and the art of harmonizing content collections.

In this video, we discuss how information architecture can evolve over time, share strategies for aligning information architecture with business goals, and explore differences in IA maturity models.

Is your information architecture ready for a CCMS? Here are 23 things you need to do before your implementation.

Join Amber Swope as she walks through her methodology for analyzing deliverables and content to inform the content model.

What is DITA? The Darwin Information Typing Architecture is an open-sourced, structured information architecture. It provides a neutral, modular content source for almost any type of content.

Are you being asked to deliver your learning content in new ways, such as microlearning? Do your users want to have personalized training? Do you need to support multiple learning platforms? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then structuring your learning content in XML may be the right strategy for you.

Structured content is the key to managing a shared library that includes information from multiple teams across an enterprise. Organizations that invest in Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA) and Component Content Management Systems (CCMS) reap the benefits of more consistent content, increased efficiency across enterprise teams, and accelerated marketing.

Are you translating DITA content? Are you getting the expected results? Learn how to optimize your DITA content model to get the best results from the translation process.

There are many resources for learning about the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). Amber recommends these resources for teams undertaking or considering DITA implementation.

DITA Strategies President and DITA Specialist, Amber Swope, introduces the company and explains how DITA and information architecture can help you.