Information Architecture
Tagging
Plain English
Adding keywords to content so it can be found and grouped in different ways.
Definition
Tagging is the glossaryProcessA process is a defined sequence of steps used to achieve a specific outcome.Open glossary term of assigning keywords or labels to content to make it easier to organise, filter, and retrieve. Tags are often flexible and non-hierarchical compared to categories.
In practice
Used to enhance 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, glossaryFilteringFiltering is the process of narrowing down a set of results by applying specific criteria such as attributes, categories, or ranges.Open glossary term, and glossaryContent RelationshipsContent relationships define how different pieces of content are connected, linked, and related within a system to provide context and improve navigation.Open glossary term by adding multiple dimensions of classification.
In context
It starts as a flexible convenience and becomes a liability around the point where three people have created three tags for the same idea.
The reality
Uncontrolled tagging quickly becomes inconsistent and useless if not governed properly.
Compared with
Tagging vs Metadata
Tags are one kind of glossaryMetadataMetadata is data that describes and provides information about other content, such as titles, descriptions, tags, and attributes. It supports organisation, search, and content management.Open glossary term, usually free-form and user-facing. Metadata is the broader set of descriptive attributes, including ones users never see, that make content findable and manageable.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is tagging?
Tagging is assigning keywords or labels to content.
Why is tagging important?
It improves 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, glossaryFilteringFiltering is the process of narrowing down a set of results by applying specific criteria such as attributes, categories, or ranges.Open glossary term, and content glossaryDiscoveryDiscovery is the phase of understanding problems, users, and opportunities before building solutions.Open glossary term.
How is tagging different from categorisation?
Tags are flexible and non-hierarchical, while categories are structured.
What are the risks of tagging?
Inconsistent tagging can reduce glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term and glossaryClarityClarity is how easily users can understand what is happening and what they need to do.Open glossary term.
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