Article Content types

Owned by Noel Victorino
Last updated: Apr 29, 2019 by Andrej Verity

Overview

Each module should also be categorized using one of the content types that appear in the system. These will appear as small headings above the main headline and signal to the reader what kind of content is being presented (analysis, human-interest story, etc.). These kinds of categories are used in a lot of online media; an example from the New York Times appears below:

Based on consultation with several field offices, thirteen different content types have been identified. This list can be updated based on the experiences and suggestions of offices adopting the Digital Situation Report, although the changes would need to be made by the system developer. The list below provides a short summary of what kind of content should appear under the various content types.

Types

Access

Any content focused on humanitarian access.

Analysis

More in-depth coverage and explanation of an issue or trend – to include information on implications for humanitarian situation, driving factors, etc. Content presents information and answers the question: “Why is this information important?”

Background

Overview of context and background information – intended for newcomers to an emergency. Rarely used.

Coordination

Any content focused on coordination structures (new mechanisms, role of government, changes to architecture, etc.), inter-agency missions, trainings, etc.

Emergency response

Cluster (or sector) update on needs, response, gaps during an acute emergency (new displacement, earthquake, etc.)  – analogous to traditional OCHA Situation Report. (Note: This can’t be called “Cluster Response” as that terminology is not standardized across countries.)

Feature

Any content that is focused on “human interest” stories, including first-person diaries, beneficiary stories, high-level visits, etc.

Forecast

Content that sets out what is likely to happen in a given situation based on available information and best available projections.

Funding

Any content focused on humanitarian funding (FTS figures, pledging conferences, pooled fund allocations, etc.)

Media

Official statements (HC, ERC, etc.), press releases, etc.

Needs

Any content focused on humanitarian needs in protracted situation (results of new assessments, publication of HNO, focus on sector-specific needs (SAM, food insecurity, etc.) or similar topics. Not to be used for acute emergency reporting (see "Emergency Response").

Response

Any content focused on system-wide or cluster-wide response in protracted situation (total operational reach across or within clusters/sectors, new Humanitarian Dashboard publication, etc.). Not to be used for acute emergency reporting (see "Emergency Response").

Content focused on how an indicator or situation has changed over time.

Visuals and data

Any new infographic, map, interactive graphic or dataset; or video/audio/photo, etc.