Enterprise IA methodologies: starting two steps earlier James Robertson, Step Two Designs (jamesr@steptwo.com.au)

Usually we know the problem, the challenge is to design the solution

Within the enterprise, we often don’t fully understand the problem…

For example, we’re given a job to implement a call center intranet…

This is actually one of the main sources of information for staff …

… as are these documents, sitting on every desk

These documents were actually the big problem for staff

Email was the other big source of pain …

Enterprise IA methodologies

Typical IA methodology

Enterprise IA methodology

Key principles

Is the identified problem the symptom or the cause?

Our methodologies often assume that organisations work like this …

… whereas they are much more like this in reality

Enterprise needs analysis is ethnographic, focusing on activities and environments

You can’t deliver effective solutions to people you haven’t personally met

There are no shortage of problems to be solved…

… but the real challenge is knowing where to start

Let’s use nurses in a hospital as the final example…

Summary

Summary As IAs, there is a clear solution to deliver, our job is to work out the best way to deliver it Our efforts focus on determine the best design to meet the needs of users (and the business) Within the organisation, things are more complex So our methodologies need to start two steps earlier… First we conduct ethnographic ‘needs analysis’ Then we guide the approach, and target efforts

As IAs, there is a clear solution to deliver, our job is to work out the best way to deliver it

Our efforts focus on determine the best design to meet the needs of users (and the business)

Within the organisation, things are more complex

So our methodologies need to start two steps earlier…

First we conduct ethnographic ‘needs analysis’

Then we guide the approach, and target efforts

Intranet Innovation Awards www.steptwo.com.au/iia/ We have just launched global awards that recognise individual innovations of intranets (not sites as a whole) The awards are supported by a network of intranet-savvy organisations and individuals (including Jared Spool, Tony Byrne, Toby Ward and many more) Entries close by 15 May 2007 Get your name in lights!

www.steptwo.com.au/iia/

We have just launched global awards that recognise individual innovations of intranets (not sites as a whole)

The awards are supported by a network of intranet-savvy organisations and individuals (including Jared Spool, Tony Byrne, Toby Ward and many more)

Entries close by 15 May 2007

Get your name in lights!

Questions? James Robertson [email_address] Website: www.steptwo.com.au RSS feed: www.steptwo.com.au/columntwo/index.xml Visit our site for 150+ articles on intranets, usability, IA, content management and more

James Robertson [email_address]

Website: www.steptwo.com.au

RSS feed: www.steptwo.com.au/columntwo/index.xml