The Dutchess
Efficiently Effective Content
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Content strategy at the European Commission

Client Novacomm
Services Content strategy, information architecture
Date June 2019 / May 2020
wireframing a page on paper

About the project

I had wanted to work at the European Commission for a long time, so I was very pleased to join their team as a senior content strategy consultant.

The Directorate General (DG) I worked for is responsible for the content on the main website ec.europa.eu. They are often asked for advice by other DGs on how to publish their content in a way that is consistent, clear, and easy to use.

I worked at the EC as a full-time in-house consultant. As such, I had the opportunity to work on multiple projects on various topics, such as the Euro, GDPR, Commission Priorities and Long-term Budget. 

Flow mapping of the processes

Approach

  • Content audits: developed an understanding of the current situation, the various channels and different types of content.
  • Stakeholder research: interviewed people involved in the creation and publication of content, as well as subject matter experts.
  • Researched needs for the information architecture
  • Created flow maps of content processes, and suggested optimisations.
  • Prepared and followed up on user research and testing.
  • Benchmarking: analysed how other governments or organisations in the same sphere approach certain topics.
  • Presented strategies for rationalisation and optimisation of content and structure, and briefed editors and developers on the proposed changes.
Content process planning with post-its

Outcome

  • Better organised content in several sections of the website.
  • Optimised content processes.
  • A process to ensure structuring and editing time-sensitive content in a short time frame.

Content strategy takes care of the complete lifecycle of content.

Making sure it’s published in the right place, is usable and useful, and up to date at all times.
Meet a content strategist

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