- Slow or clunky search functions
- Navigation that isn’t intuitive
- Layouts that don’t make sense to users
- Outdated designs that don’t match the brand
All of these issues detract from user friendliness. The good news is that an outdated intranet solution isn’t a problem you have to continue to deal with –you can move on to a new user-friendly intranet system in order to keep your company on track.
Outdated Intranet
One main issue with bad intranet systems is that the information is there, but that it’s being presented in a confusing or unappealing manner. You spend a lot of money and time making sure your intranet works efficiently, so it’s frustrating when your users have a hard time navigating it. The trouble is that intranet solutions have a reputation for aging quickly and companies don’t always stay on top of the necessary maintenance and updates. Older models often make it difficult to track the impact of process improvement over time.
Additionally, intranet systems are generally based on consumer technology. While this is a useful model, it generally takes about 1-2 years for intranet to catch up with the tech that giant consumer search engines, like Google, are employing. That means it’s super important to make sure you’re following the trends in technology and keeping up with the needs of your users over time.
What Exactly Makes the Intranet User-Friendly
The biggest thing to do to make an intranet more user-friendly is match how people think it should be with the way it actually works. We all have ways we think the world is supposed to work around us–the UX term for this is “mental models.” So you need to make sure your intranet is meeting your users’ expectations of how it is supposed to work. Mental models are also changing all the time, so make sure you’re keeping up with new technologies and the changing landscape of user behavior.
Listen to Your Users
The best way to make your intranet more user-friendly is to listen to your users. It’s important to conduct structured interviews and to spend time with users to figure out why they are using the intranet and what they’re using it for.
The worst thing a company can do is ignore implementations and user feedback and miss out on valuable chances to respond to and meet your users’ needs–and this happens far more often than you might think.
What’s the Bottom Line?
Most companies invest tens of thousands of dollars into their intranet and many don’t feel they are getting the right solution for their investment. You want to be sure the investment you’re putting into the intranet is actually worth it and that you’re getting a return on it instead of getting complaints from users who aren’t able to use it correctly.
After all, productivity at your company is enhanced by solutions and the overall return on investments they provide. These returns apply to both the money you put into your intranet solution and the investment you’re putting into your users.
You need to automate, consolidate and improve efficiency, and having an intranet that is not user-friendly is holding you back from these goals. Getting a user-friendly intranet in place will help you add long-term value by increasing productivity and collaboration in your company.
Learn more abouthow you could benefit from an out-of-the-box corporate intranet solution by downloading our free tip sheet, 5 Signs A Ready-To-Go Intranet Is Right For Your Firm.
