Making Decisions About User Research

We know that we should do user research for projects. All the user-centred design material says so, we talk about it at conferences, we put it in proposals. We just know that it is a good thing to do. But when I talk to people about their actual projects, I find that very few people actually do user research. There are many many reasons (no time, no money, already know what users need etc etc etc). I think that part of the reason it doesn’t happen is also that we don’t have good tools to tell us just how much research to do, and even when it isn’t necessary at all to do research.

Spencer, Donna. DonnaM (2008). Articles>Research>Usability>User Centered Design

Yes, Information Architecture is Rocket Science

Why do I think there is some complexity to creating a good IA for a website, when to others it appears simple?

Spencer, Donna. DonnaM (2008). Articles>Information Design

Ten Ways to Continuously Improve Your Intranet

The amount of work involved in designing a new intranet or redesigning an existing intranet is minor compared to the time needed to maintain an effective intranet over the longer term. In fact, it is common for the initial excitement of a new intranet to fade away as the reality of day-to-day maintenance and the challenges of improving the intranet become apparent.

Spencer, Donna. Step Two (2004). Articles>Web Design>Intranets

Is Your Intranet “Under Construction”?

Many intranets contain a large number of sections ‘under construction’. In general, this happens when a new section of the intranet is being created. The template or section for the site is set up (often by another, more techical team) a list of ideas for content is written and some initial content may be loaded. The section is unfinished but the creators are excited and want to release it, so it is marked as ‘coming soon’ or ‘under construction’.

Spencer, Donna. Step Two (2004). Articles>Web Design>Intranets

Why are Intranets Structured Like the Organisational Chart?

Many intranets are structured around the organisational chart. It is well known that this method of grouping content is difficult for staff — they can’t find information if they don’t know who is responsible for it. However, it often seems too difficult to move from an organisational-based structure to a more intuitive topical structure. Before moving to a better structure it is necessary to identify why the intranet is currently designed around the organisational chart, and address these issues first.

Spencer, Donna. Step Two (2005). Articles>Information Design>Intranets>User Centered Design

Using a “Strawman” for Page Layout Design

Designing the page layouts for a new or redesigned intranet can be complex. One of the most difficult aspects is creating the first layout. Starting with an empty screen, you need to determine what will go on each page and where it will go. Using a strawman design - a design that is created with the intent of discarding it - can help to overcome many of the difficulties in the design process.

Spencer, Donna. Step Two (2004). Articles>Web Design>Document Design