Posts by Donna Spencer

Any intranets structured around the organisational chart are difficult to use. Before attempting a restructure, consider why this structure has been used.

10 ways to continuously improve your intranet

By: Donna Spencer Posted: December 2, 2004

Explores a number of practical ways that an intranet can be improved incrementally without yet another redesign.

What is usability?

By: Donna Spencer Posted: November 1, 2004

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.

Is your intranet "Under Construction"?

By: Donna Spencer Posted: October 5, 2004

Explores the advantages and disadvantages of using ‘under construction’ on an intranet.

Using a “strawman” for page layout design

By: Donna Spencer Posted: October 5, 2004

Using a ‘strawman’ design in the early stages of a project can help to overcome many of the difficulties in the design process.

Does your intranet support core business?

By: Donna Spencer Posted: July 2, 2004

Many intranets are dedicated to allowing staff to complete administrative tasks easily, instead of assisting staff to do their core business.

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.

Five ways to identify intranet usability issues

By: Donna Spencer Posted: January 14, 2004

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.

Escape the organisation chart on your intranet

By: Donna Spencer Posted: October 7, 2003

Escaping an organisational structure for your intranet is not easy, but will deliver many business benefits.