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How intranet plans evolve

Written by James Robertson, published September 1, 2010

Categorised under: Intranets

In our 6×2 methodology, intranet teams plan one release at a time, typically at six month intervals. Based on criteria (“why would we deliver this feature?”) and constraints (“What stops us from delivering improvements?”), potential activities are ruthlessly evaluated. The result is a list of deliverables that are both doable and worth doing.

In the 6×2 report, we indicate that criteria will change over time, based on the evolution of the intranet and changing business needs. In other words, what you focus on today may not be the priorities for tomorrow.

Last week we ended up running two 6×2 planning sessions at the one organisation, and this point was elegantly demonstrated.

November release

The immediate focus of the project team was a quick intranet rebuild to reflect new corporate branding, to be launched in two months time (!). The criteria for this release were very focused on communications and culture:

  • Expresses and communicates the new brand
  • Improves findability of content / people
  • Demonstrates visible progress
  • Supports two way interaction / dialog
  • Has wow! impact

Within the extreme time constraints, a range of small, high-impact improvements were identified.

Q1 2011 release

For the proper six-month project, the criteria shifted to business and staff needs, as follows:

  • Benefits frontline staff
  • Demonstrates the organisation coming together
  • Provides coordinated communications channel
  • Improves findability
  • Builds momentum for the future intranet vision

Needless to say, the activities chosen for the six-month project were very different based on these criteria…

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2 Comments:

  1. EphraimJF commented on September 10th, 2010

    This sounds like a shift from the corporate communications posture of “make them think X” to a user-centric approach of “enable employees with Y.”

    How did you facilitate the change in mindset James?

  2. Mark Morrell commented on September 11th, 2010

    James,

    In BT we try to focus on continuous improvement so we are not tied to big launches at fixed times.

    BT’s intranet has to justify the business benefit from any improvement. Having a clear action plan, agreed with key senior people and budgeted will help increase the chances of success.

    I know that’s a bit before what you are saying. I’m just poiting out you need to get this right first as I posted here
    http://markmorrell.wordpress.com/2009/03/19/6-simple-steps-for-a-good-intranet-plan/.

    Mark