7 August 2008
Create a winning intranet strategy
Forthcoming webinar explores AEP's approach to fulfilling its intranet’s business objectives.
Establishing an intranet as an integral business tool in an organization requires much more than reliable technology and strong content.
It requires good design that's focused on the employee audience at all times.
Educate and engage
In a forthcoming Melcrum webinar, Creating a Winning Intranet Strategy, William Amurgis (pictured, right), manager of intranet strategy at American Electric Power (AEP) will explore how good intranet design can:
- Enhance employee productivity.
- Reinforce corporate messages.
- Provide a place for employees to meet.
- Make the impersonal more personal.
- Provoke an emotional response.
His team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the corporate intranet at AEP, serving 20,000 employees across the US.
Amurgis will also discuss techniques that AEP implemented that helped it earn a place in Nielsen Norman Group's list of the top 10 intranets in the world.
Pilot new processes
At the Intranet 2.0 and Portal Makeover forum in Florida earlier this year, this month's guest expert from the Hub's editorial board, Michael Rudnick (pictured, below left), said "design is important because people want a user-grade user experience."
But what many of those in charge of overhauling their intranet do, is concentrate on the aesthetic aspects too much, without changing the navigation or other areas in need of attention.
Be careful not to add features just for the sake of it, Rudnick advises, as they just might not be the right tools for your particular organization.
Avoid friction
In line with Rudnick's advice above, attendees of the Creating a Winning Intranet Strategy will learn how to make use of usability sessions as a means of evaluation before a new design is launched, to ensure it suits the audience and avoids costly re-work.
The live and interactive 60-minute webinar will examine the keys to a successful intranet design that will support your business objectives.Have your say
Hub members can pose their intranet-related queries to Michael Rudnick via the editorial board.Have a listen to Melcrum's podcast special on intranets and visit the Melcrum website for more information on forthcoming events and conferences.
Watch the interview below with Robert Polkowski to hear his intranet-related advice and find out what he learned at the Intranet 2.0 and Portal Makeover event earlier this year.
Robert Polkowski speaks with the Hub's Annie Waite at the Intranet 2.0 event
You can also share your intranet redesign stories with Hub readers via the comments feature below.
Recommended resources:
PODCAST: The Melcrum Podcast 11 June 2008: Intranet special
Register for Creating a Winning Intranet Strategy
Quick and cost-effective ways to overhaul your intranet
How to recession-proof your intranet strategyGot a news story? Contact the newsdesk