Any intranets structured around the organisational chart are difficult to use. Before attempting a restructure, consider why this structure has been used.
Author Archive: Donna Spencer
Donna (Maurer) Spencer is an alumni of Step Two Designs, and is a specialist in information architecture. Donna has presented widely on IA, and is currently writing a book on card sorting.
DECEMBER 2004
10 ways to continuously improve your intranet
Explores a number of practical ways that an intranet can be improved incrementally without yet another redesign.
NOVEMBER 2004
What is usability?
This article provides an overview of what usability is (and what it is not), as well as giving ideas on how to include more usability activities in projects.
CMb 2004-17
Is your intranet “Under Construction”?
Explores the advantages and disadvantages of using ‘under construction’ on an intranet.
CMb 2004-18
Using a “strawman” for page layout design
Using a ‘strawman’ design in the early stages of a project can help to overcome many of the difficulties in the design process.
CMb 2004-12
Does your intranet support core business?
Many intranets are dedicated to allowing staff to complete administrative tasks easily, instead of assisting staff to do their core business.
CMb 2004-11
The importance of training staff in the use of the intranet
An intranet is something that staff need to learn, just like any other business application or information system. This will require both formal and informal training.
CASE STUDY (JUNE 2004)
User-centred redesign of the FaCS intranet
FaCS applied user-centred techniques in the redevelopment of their large Government intranet, and it serves as a useful model for other organisations looking to tackle the same issues.
APRIL 2004
Card sorting: a definitive guide
Card sorting is a simple user-centered technique for obtaining insight into the structure of a site.
JANUARY 2004
Five ways to identify intranet usability issues
This article provides five techniques to identify likely usability problems in your intranet. Some techniques provide indications about where the main problems lie, others provide concrete evidence.
OCTOBER 2003
Escaping the organisation chart on your intranet
Escaping an organisational structure for your intranet is not easy, but will deliver many business benefits.
APRIL 2003
Card-based classification evaluation
The technique of ‘card based classification evaluation’ provides a practical (and rapid) approach for testing a prototype site structure.