How do I create a product taxonomy that customers actually understand?

Build the taxonomy around how customers browse and describe products, then map your internal product data into that structure. Start with a small number of clear top-level categories and introduce subcategories only where they help customers narrow choices. Avoid creating categories solely because an internal system uses them. Validate the taxonomy against site search terms, filters, merchandising needs and marketplace categories. A useful taxonomy should support navigation, analytics and product discovery without making customers learn your organisational language.