Improving Intranet Search
The Improving Intranet Search report provides a practical methodology for improving intranet search, including a wide range of guidelines and approaches that cover every aspect of the search solution. All of the recommendations are designed to be within the reach of every intranet team, and do not require in-depth technical knowledge or unlimited budgets.
115 pages (PDF), purchase online (US$189)
Poor search is one of the greatest sources of user frustration with intranets. Worse yet, the inadequacies of search may be consigning the intranet as a whole to failure. If staff can’t find information on the intranet when they need it, will they even come to the site?
Organisations are now recognising that search is a critical business tool, on their intranet as well as on their websites. More than just a way to find documents, intranet search can directly support staff in their day-to-day work.
The answer is not to automatically replace the search engine currently in place, as most of the modern search products provide more than enough functionality.
Instead, the problem is that few search solutions have been effectively designed, in terms of the interfaces provided to staff and the behind-the-scenes improvements needed to make the search work like magic.
Even a few days devoted to improving search can have significant impact. If resources are then allocated to steadily maintaining and enhancing search, it will not take long to deliver an extraordinary search solution.
The purpose of this report is therefore to provide practical ideas on how to improve intranet search. Best practice approaches are explored, and realistic guidelines and approaches are provided for improving every aspect of intranet search.
The 115 page report contains:
- key principles of effective search
- nine step methodology for improving search
- two search ‘personas’ describing common search users
- guidelines for improving the search interface for general and specialist users
- guidelines for enhancing search results
- options for search engine tuning
- introduction of search usage reports
- exploration of search engine synonyms and ‘best bets’
- summary of advanced search techniques
- screenshots and tips throughout
All of the core design guidelines and enhancements contained in this report are within reach of every intranet team, and do not require in-depth technical knowledge or unlimited budgets.
Use this report to make immediate improvements to intranet search, and to then plan a program of work that will deliver a powerful search solution for staff.
115 pages
Published in February 2006
Downloadable PDF file
US$189.00
Sydney, Australia
