Context Analysis
Before creating an information product, it is necessary to
analyze the requirements which it must meet. Context analysis
determines the underlying conditions and the requirements that
are placed on an information product by its context.
Context analysis is a preparatory process phase. One distinctive
feature is the fact that not only internal sources but mainly
sources outside the company are evaluated. In doing so,
overarching aspects such as legal and normative requirements,
markets or target groups are investigated. Context analysis does
not have to be performed for every documentation product but does
need to be performed regularly at scheduled intervals or when
modifications have been announced. The results of observing the
information product are evaluated in the context analysis and
their consequences for creating information products are deduced
from these results. Context analysis and its results are
interpreted specifically to the documentation, depending on the
nature of the information product and the underlying
conditions.
A context analysis examines:
- Legal requirements
- Normative requirements
- Target groups
- Country-specific requirements
- Products and technologies
- Media and information technology
- Results of observation of the information
product
The results of the context analysis are fed into the concept for
an information product and also into aspects such as media
development, publication and distribution.