As we start a new year we had an interesting series of reviews of some of our Intranet designs in 2011.
We have many example systems and guideline documents on intranet design, but one key in the early process for designing a new intranet is to show the customer team a large selection of designs that we have already completed. Based on their feedback the designers can then move onto the Photoshop mockup process, which is always reviewed, completed and signed off before any interface is actually built.
As a new client it seems that there is nothing worse than just being asked to describe “what you like” when confronted by a blank whiteboard with one of our designers looking at you and expectantly holding a marker pen – but the same clients can certainly point out areas of other designs that they appreciate and would like to incorporate into their own new web platform.
We all had our perspectives, but from mine working with new customers I noticed that many of our projects liked to start from a baseline with many of the elements from the image shown here:
Of course they would then request considerable changes and apply their own branding, but the base system was a very useful start for them, and enabled the creative process to start.
I think there are indeed some strong basic points about this design :
- – It is quite ‘strong’ and vibrant, even though it has more than enough white space for a system that is the core web platform for all users in a substantial global corporation.
– It is welcoming – while still containing a significant amount of corporate information
– The application slider bar is a nice touch, rather than a permission based text access menu – which in this system is reserved for departmental resources
– The rounded corners and pin board effect are appropriate without being distracting
– The corporate social networking component on the home page shows the collaborative two way intent of the system
– Multiple and differentiated intranet news channels are appropriate for such a large client that generates a lot of information for various sets of users
– We liked the introductory video that shows for all new users, explaining the intent of the system and intranet guidelines.
Of course everyone in the actual design teams had their own personal favorites – but for 2011 for me this was an extremely useful base design when discussing new client intranet projects. If you have any comments or favourite designs of your own – please comment!
Just for our English speakers google translate interrpets this comment as :
Of course, starting from scratch is always difficult, and this struck me the method they use to Claromentis: instead of sitting with a pen in front of a whiteboard start with a basic template and collaboratively to develop the changes.