Intranet • B2B Solutions

Revolutionizing the Employee Experience

Intranet Connections‘ UX/UI Journey

Scope

- Problem framing
- Design Strategy
- Test Strategy
- Responsive design
- Prototyping

Duration

5 Months
May. 2023 — Sep. 2023

My Role

As the sole UX/UI consultant representing AEQ, I have been responsible for the following tasks in collaboration with IC

For over two decades, Intranet Connections (IC) has embarked on a mission to transform how organizations communicate, collaborate, and share resources internally. Their intranet solutions were designed to not only facilitate document storage but also streamline workflow processes to create a seamless, private network environment. To provide a better, modern employee experience, Intranet Connections decided it was time to rejuvenate their flagship platform: Intranet 3.0 Releasing in 2024, this brand new platform aims to enhance the user experience and address the evolving needs of their 200+ client enterprises. Enter AEQ.

How I Did It?

As a UX/UI consultant, I collaborated with IC’s Technology team to execute the project in just four months, significantly quicker than the industry standard of one year. The end result was an incredibly successful and responsive platform that boasted improved efficiency, user confidence, and streamlined workflows. Here’s how I did it.

Image: The top 3 areas of focus for Intranet 3.0, revamped
Understanding the User Journey: The Challenges

We noticed challenges in the user experience strategy, mainly when it came to user flows and information structures. The company faced the dual challenge of retaining existing clients while adapting to the distinctive habits and demands of its diverse user base. Recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach was no longer sufficient, IC embarked on an ambitious journey to revamp its intranet platform.

 

To kickstart the transformation, the joint team undertook a deep dive into the specific processes and end goals of their users. It was imperative to identify any obstacles or pain points that users encountered in their daily interactions with Intranet 3.0. This meticulous approach ensured that the design direction and proposed scenarios would not only resonate with users but also effectively address their expectations.

Balancing Consistency & Flexibility

One of the key challenges in this transformation was the adoption of external frameworks as a foundational UX component. While it promised a consistent page skeleton, it came with limited customization capabilities. This posed a dilemma: how to strike a balance between consistency and flexibility to meet the growing demands of users.

The Development Phase

The goal of the redesign was to establish a clear and streamlined informational hierarchy in the app, guiding users effortlessly with a minimal learning curve. Contributing to this central theme, the team focused on designing the platform for various screen sizes, integrating with contemporary technologies, and reimagining the IC aesthetic.

After several rounds of market research and user studies, we were able to begin the process of redesigning. By laying the groundwork of their UX strategy with Agile UX and the 5 Planes of UX, the team was able to get consistent feedback at each stage of development. We were able to get to work on implementing some groundbreaking changes. 

Image: The UX Strategy We Followed
Customer Success
Early customer feedback and simulations for the upcoming Intranet 3.0 release show remarkable improvements in user engagement and efficiency. While actual completion rates will be measured post-launch, the redesigned platform was fine-tuned to ensure clarity and ease of use, and the new average task completion time is now under 15 seconds.
 
Beta tester success rates increased with the prototype, projecting an aspirational 100% task completion rate, a dramatic increase from the previous average of 50%. Simulated usability trials among testers also soared to an outstanding 90% satisfaction for its clarity and ease of use.  
 
Efficiency and intuitive design have become the hallmark of the revamped design.
Conclusion

As this case study on IC’s Intranet 3.0 revamp concludes, it’s clear that the project marked a significant step in UX/UI transformation. My role as the AEQ consultant involved a deep understanding of IC’s diverse user base, and through a thoughtful balance of consistency and flexibility, I aimed to enhance the overall user experience. This project was an opportunity to not only improve the interface but also to encourage better team collaboration, which led to notable improvements in completion rates and user confidence. My involvement reflects AEQ’s commitment to enhancing employee experiences and providing tailored digital solutions to companies. The anticipated rollout of these changes in 2024, in conjunction with IC’s new product generation, symbolizes the ongoing evolution and potential of digital innovation in the industry.