An example of search tips on the intranet
An example of search tips on the intranet
Provide a clear navigation structure and think like a user
In addition to a well-functioning search engine, a good navigation structure is key when designing a new social intranet.
A navigation structure from a user perspective instead of an organizational perspective helps to find information. When creating such a navigation structure, think from the user's perspective; 'what is he/she looking for?', instead of 'where can I as editors easily put it?'.
Navigation structure keys for users
At various organisations I help to set up a navigation structure at the start of a project. To get a good idea of what users expect from the structure and how they navigate, it helps to test one or more proposals. Setting up the navigation structure can be done using card sorting , where users help to categorise and label the information offered by a site. Card sorting is used when designing the information structure within an intranet (or website).
Card sorting to categorize and label the information
Testing a structure can then be done using an japan phone number list online research tool, such as Treejack . This allows you to easily test where and why users get lost within a structure and how you can improve this.
Results of a task in a Treejack investigation.
Results of a task in a Treejack investigation.
Click paths in a task in a Treejack investigation.
Click paths in a task in a Treejack investigation.
Based on this, you can compare multiple variations of a navigation structure, for example a new structure, but also the existing layout of the menu.
Measuring = knowing
You can research and think of a lot in advance, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating . You only know whether the structure is a success when users start working with it. To gain insight into search behavior and search terms, you can use analytics tools . With this, you can read the search thoughts of the users , so to speak, in order to sharpen the information per page and the navigation structure on that basis.