What Are Categories?
Categories are an important organizational tool used to classify and group multimedia content (such as cinematics, games, videos, or articles) by common characteristics or themes. They help users navigate large amounts of content more easily.
Key Purposes of Categories:
1. Content Search
Categories allow users to quickly find the content they’re interested in, even if they don’t know the exact title. For instance, a user interested in "science fiction" or "strategy" can directly go to the relevant category.
2. Enhancing User Experience
A well-organized content structure makes it easier for users to navigate the platform. Categories reduce the time spent searching and increase the time spent viewing content.
3. Personalization
Categories can be used in building recommendation systems by analyzing user preferences and suggesting similar content based on their viewing history.
4. Content Management
For administrators and content creators, a category structure facilitates the management, sorting, and searching of media files, especially when there’s a large volume.
Examples of Categories
Depending on the platform and type of content, categories can differ. Here are some examples:
For Cinematics:
Genre: action, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, drama
Mood: dark, humorous, emotional, epic
Purpose: opening, intermediate, final, teaser
Platform: console, PC, mobile
Universes / Games: Overwatch, League of Legends, Assassin’s Creed
For Games:
Genre: RPG, shooter, puzzle, simulator, strategy
Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, mobile, VR
Mode: single-player, multiplayer, co-op
Graphical Style: pixel art, realistic, stylized, low-poly
For Videos:
Duration: short, long
Language: English, Japanese, Russian, etc.
Type of Production: game film, 2D animation, 3D animation
Audience: kids, teens, adults
Why Proper Category Structuring is Important
A well-structured category system:
Is understandable — easily perceived by users
Is consistent — uses uniform naming conventions
Is flexible — allows adding new categories
Is unambiguous — avoids duplication and confusion
Proper categorization improves user interaction with the platform and simplifies content management.
References:
"Categorization and Classification of Content" - TechCrunch
"Why Categorization Matters" - Content Management Systems
"The Role of Categories in User Experience" - UX Design