Information Architecture
Categorisation
Also known as: Categorization
Plain English
Grouping things together in a way that makes sense.
Definition
Categorisation is the glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term of grouping content or items based on shared characteristics or meaning. It helps users understand relationships and find relevant information more easily.
In practice
Used to organise content into logical groups that align with how users think and glossarySearchSearch is the functionality that allows users to find content or information by entering queries. It relies on indexing, metadata, and relevance algorithms to return useful results.Open glossary term.
In context
It is where guideCard SortingOpen, closed and hybrid card sorting compared: how to learn the way users group and label content, and when each variant is the right one.Open guide earns its keep. Teams group by how the business is organised; users group by the job they are trying to do, and the two rarely match.
The reality
If categories don’t match how users think, they won’t use them - they’ll ignore or misinterpret them.
Compared with
Categorisation vs Content Grouping
Categorisation assigns items to a defined scheme. Grouping puts related things near each other on a page. One is a glossaryDataData is raw, uninterpreted information collected and stored so it can be analysed, processed, or used to inform decisions. On its own it carries no meaning; context and interpretation are what make it useful.Open glossary term decision, the other a glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term decision, and grouping cannot rescue a bad scheme.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is categorisation?
Categorisation is grouping content based on shared characteristics.
Why is categorisation important?
It helps users find and understand information more easily.
How do you create good categories?
By aligning them with user expectations and glossaryMental ModelA mental model is the way users understand how a system works based on their past experiences and expectations. It shapes how they predict interactions and outcomes.Open glossary term.
What is the difference between categorisation and taxonomy?
Categorisation is the act of grouping, while glossaryTaxonomyTaxonomy is the system used to classify and organise content into structured categories. It defines how content is grouped, named, and related within a product or system.Open glossary term is the glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term that defines those groups.
Related Services
Related Guides
Related Terms
