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.