Next-gen URLs 
Port80 has an instructive article about about how to construct next generation URLs. While most of the tips are relatively straightforward and easy to implement, refreshers are never a bad thing.
Upcoming IA/UE/UX Seminars in Chicago
Lou Rosenfeld and Steve Krug will be teaching a couple of seminars in Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 16th and 17th, and have asked help in getting the word out. If you are in Chicago and have an interest in IA/UE/UX/etc., you might want to take in one or both. The early registration deadline for both is May 26. Sign up for both seminars and receive a discount!
- Enterprise Information Architecture
Hosted by Lou Rosenfeld
June 16, 2003 - Don't Make Me Think!
Hosted by Steve Krug
June 17, 2003
Intranet ROI, IA and usability
I've spent the last couple of weeks researching Intranet ROI, information architecture and usability best practices for an intranet redesign I'm currently working on. In doing so, I've come across a number helpful resources and have developed a few thoughts that I figured I'd share with you.
Intranet ROI
While accurately defining the ROI of information architecture and usability on an intranet project is a bit of a sticking point for many practitioners right now, the rule of thumb that I've put together is that the cost-benefit ratio for usability is anywhere from $1:$5 to $1:$100. In other words, every dollar spent designing for users up front will save a company any where from $5-$100 per employee per intranet session based upon the time saved navigating/locating/accessing information. Larger companies that rely heavily on their intranet for corporate communication and information sharing will reap the most benefit. In contrast, smaller companies that rely less on their intranet for collaboration will benefit the least - but will still benefit.
Intranet ROI Resources:
In theory and in practice, ease-of-use should be the sole barometer by which all intranets are judged. As such, usable intranet designs should tend to reflect employee workflow and task patterns (i.e. the way people work) as opposed to departmental organization (i.e. the way the company is organized).
Intranet IA/Usability Resources:
Intranet ROI
While accurately defining the ROI of information architecture and usability on an intranet project is a bit of a sticking point for many practitioners right now, the rule of thumb that I've put together is that the cost-benefit ratio for usability is anywhere from $1:$5 to $1:$100. In other words, every dollar spent designing for users up front will save a company any where from $5-$100 per employee per intranet session based upon the time saved navigating/locating/accessing information. Larger companies that rely heavily on their intranet for corporate communication and information sharing will reap the most benefit. In contrast, smaller companies that rely less on their intranet for collaboration will benefit the least - but will still benefit.
Intranet ROI Resources:
- The "Proof" for Usability's ROI
- Intranet Portals: The Corporate Information Infrastructure
- Measuring Intranet Return On Investment
- Return on Investment for Usability
- Intranet Cost Analyzer
- ROI of Usability: A Collection of Links
In theory and in practice, ease-of-use should be the sole barometer by which all intranets are judged. As such, usable intranet designs should tend to reflect employee workflow and task patterns (i.e. the way people work) as opposed to departmental organization (i.e. the way the company is organized).
Intranet IA/Usability Resources:
A little work, a little splurge
Ok, I know it's been a couple of weeks. Believe me, I know. Feel free to find solace in the fact that I've actually been busy wrapping up the design and development of a new company directory at my place of employ, not to mention creating a new taxonomy and information architecture for our corporate intranet. Fun stuff indeed.
At any rate, I broke down and decided to reward myself for all of this hard work yesterday. Yes, I'll soon be the proud owner of a brand new iPod. I opted for the 30GB version, for no other reason than to succumb to my gluttonous need for top of the line tech gadgets. No, this isn't the first time... nor the last I'm afraid. It is what it is.
So, yeah - you probably already have an iPod and have been enjoying it day after day for for months now. That's fine. I'm comfortable with that. But just so you know - mine's *so* much better.
At any rate, I broke down and decided to reward myself for all of this hard work yesterday. Yes, I'll soon be the proud owner of a brand new iPod. I opted for the 30GB version, for no other reason than to succumb to my gluttonous need for top of the line tech gadgets. No, this isn't the first time... nor the last I'm afraid. It is what it is.
So, yeah - you probably already have an iPod and have been enjoying it day after day for for months now. That's fine. I'm comfortable with that. But just so you know - mine's *so* much better.
