“Just put that in the zip code field…”The Ins and Outs of Content Modeling

Content management integration and consultingSocial networking integrationCustom designSioux Falls, South Dakotahttp://blendinteractive.com/

6 Evaluation QuestionsFor those of you shopping for a CMS and comparing options.5 Implementation TipsFor those of you implementing or managing a CMS-based Web site.

Content Modeling Definition #1The process of converting logical content concepts into editable, storable, manageable, searchable content objects by breaking them down into smaller pieces and describing their data to your CMS.

Logical ContentThis is the desired end result of a content management requirement.

Content ObjectAn XML documentA database record

Content FidelityHow closely does the content in your CMS resemble the logical content you planned on?

Different systems have vastly different content modeling capabilities.Never assume that system X can accurately model your content.

Evaluation Question #1Does your CMS allow content modeling or structuring at all?

Why model content at all?

Reason #1Because different content types need to be STRUCTURED differently.

Content Structure Between Types

Content Structure Between Types

Reason #2Because different content types have to be EDITED and VALIDATED differently.

Automatic Form RenderingContent edit form in eZ publish

Input Form ValidationCanned and custom validation in Ektron.

Reason #3Because different content types have to be DISPLAYED differently.

Display Template AssignmentTemplate assignment by Page Type in EPiServer

Reason #4Because different content types have to be MANAGED differently.

Content types often act as functional boundaries for:PermissionsWorkflowNavigationSearch

URL Pattern AssignmentsURL pattern assignment based on Content Type in Drupal

Permission AssignmentPermission assignments by content type in eZ publish

Reason #5Because different content types need to be SEARCHED and ORGANIZED differently.

Organization by Content Value

Content Type-specific SearchParametric search based a content type in eZ publish

Content modeling has its roots in two disciplines:Relational database designObject oriented programming

Relational Database RootsContent Type = TableContent Attribute = FieldAttribute Datatype = Field Datatype

OO Programming RootsContent Type = ClassContent Attribute = Field, Property, AttributeAttribute Datatype = Programming DatatypeContent Type Inheritance = Class Inheritance

Is content management reinventing the wheel?

Problems due to inefficient and inaccurate content modeling will often not surface until the project is complete.By that point, it’s often too late….

Types, Attributes, and Datatypes

Content on most Web sites can be roughly categorized by type.A type shares a common set of attributes and is meant to represent a single, logical boundary around content.

NomenclatureContent TypeContent ClassSmartFormPage Type

Content TypesContent types in Drupal

Content types are made up of content attributes.An attribute is a single, logical piece of information that, when combined with other attributes, describes a type of content.

NomenclatureAttributePropertyFieldElement

Content AttributesContent attributes in eZ publish.

Content attributes have datatypes.A datatype restricts the type of data the attribute may hold. This enables validation and processing

Datatypes provide:ValidationEditing interfacesComputation

Attribute DatatypesContent class attributes in eZ publish.

Attribute DatatypesPage Type Properties in EPiServer

Generic Custom FieldsCustom fields in WordPress.

Datatypes and SortingDatatypes tell the system how to treat values while sorting.

Common Validation NeedsString is requiredString is numericString matches a "canned pattern" (email address, SSN, etc.)String matches a regular expressionString falls within a list of valid values drawn from somewhere elseString is unique to other contentDate is in the past/futureDate is in a specific rangeFile is of a specific typeFile is within a specific size rangeValue X is conditional on Value Y (if one is filled in, the other can’t be blank, etc.)

Content Modeling Definition #2Content modeling is the process of converting logical content concepts into content types, attributes, and datatypes.

Implementation Tip #1Think in terms of content types. Consider the ways different content will need to be edited, validated, managed, searched and organized.

Evaluation Question #2Does it allow you to structure content through configuration or does it require you to write code or modules?

Code vs. ConfigurationNew Content Type in PloneNew Page Type in EPiServer

Implementation Tip #2Be careful in re-using content types for logically different content.

Futureproofing is the process of designing your content model in such a way that it can be adapted to new situations with a minimum of pain.

Implementation Tip #3To futureproof your content, speculate on and list scenarios in which the content might be used now and in the future.

A Really Bad IdeaThings that shouldn’t be there:DateAuthorCategoriesLocation(perhaps) Image

Date

Author

Categories

Location

(perhaps) Image

Implementation Tip #4To futureproof your content, do not entrap multiple logical attributes into the same implemented attribute

Implementation Tip #5Find the right balance. Don’t overstructure your content.

Datatypes

Evaluation Question #3What datatypes are available to structure your content?

Datatypes are the building blocks of your content.

StringsSimple and formatted strings in WordPress

DatesDate entry interface in Ektron.

Binary FilesBinary file upload in Drupal (top) and eZ publish (bottom)

Repeating PropertiesA repeating data table within an Ektron content object.A one-column Matrix datatype in eZ publish.

Evaluation Question #4Can you write your own datatypes or customize existing datatypes?

Custom DatatypesCustom datatype in eZ publish

Evaluation Question #5How well does it manage relational content modeling?

DISCRETE content modeling is structuring content within a single content object.

RELATIONAL content modeling is structuring a content object in relation to other content.Requires a linking datatype or a content tree.

Relational Content ModelingPage Link attribute in EPIServer

Relational Content ModelingMultiple content selection in EPiServer and Ektron

ArticlesTitleBodyAuthor[…]ArticlesTitleBodyAuthor[…]Content CompositionArticleTitleBodyAuthor[…]ArticlesTitleBodyAuthor[…]is related toAuthorFirst NameLast Name[…]BureauName[…]was written byworks for

Evaluation Question #6How well does it handle hierarchical content?

Hierarchical ContentPublicationIssueSectionArticleArticle

Content TreesThe content folder structure in EktronA pure content tree in eZ publish

Evaluation Question #6Does it allow any inheritance of content types or values?

Content Type InheritanceMovie Review PageTitleBodyMETA KeywordsMETA DescriptionURLStudioDirectorCastRunning TimeStar RatingMusic Review PageTitleBodyMETA KeywordsMETA DescriptionURLNumber of TracksGenreStar Rating

Content Type InheritanceMovie Review PageStudioDirectorCastRunning TimeStar RatingWeb PageTitleBodyMETA KeywordsMETA DescriptionURLMusic Review PageNumber of TracksGenreStar Rating

Content Value InheritanceWith a pure content tree, setting a value at a specific point will cause content “below” that point to inherit the value until overridden by a new value.These content objects will inherit the value applied to “News,” unless they specifically override it.

Evaluation QuestionsDoes it allow the structuring of content?Is it via code or configuration?What datatypes are available?Can you write or customize your own datatypes?How well does it handle relational content modeling?How well does it handle hierarchical content?

Implementation TipsThink in terms of content typesAvoid reusing content typesSpeculate on the future uses of contentDo not combine logical attributes into the same implemented attributeDon’t overstructure your content

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