Finding Intranet Design Inspiration: Where to Look
Introduction
Designing an intranet that is visually appealing, user-friendly, and functional is crucial for any organization. A well-designed intranet can improve employee productivity, collaboration, and engagement. However, coming up with innovative and creative design ideas for your intranet can be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore various sources where you can find inspiration for your intranet design.
1. SharePoint Showcase
SharePoint is a popular platform for intranet development, and it offers a showcase of intranet designs created by different organizations. The SharePoint Showcase is a great place to start your search for design inspiration. You can browse through the showcased intranets and get ideas for layout, color schemes, navigation, and overall design aesthetics. You can also find case studies and success stories of organizations that have implemented SharePoint intranets.
2. Design Blogs and Websites
There are several design blogs and websites that feature articles, tutorials, and examples of great intranet designs. These blogs and websites are a treasure trove of design inspiration and can provide you with fresh ideas for your intranet. Some popular design blogs and websites include Smashing Magazine, Awwwards, and Dribbble. You can also follow design influencers on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest design trends and inspiration.
3. Competitor Analysis
Looking at what your competitors are doing can be a great source of inspiration. Analyze the intranets of other organizations in your industry or similar industries to see what design elements they have incorporated. Take note of the layout, color schemes, typography, and overall user experience. While you should never copy directly from your competitors, analyzing their designs can help you identify trends and best practices that you can incorporate into your own intranet design.
4. User Feedback and Testing
One of the best sources of inspiration for your intranet design is your own users. Conduct user feedback sessions and usability testing to gather insights and feedback on your current intranet design. Ask your users about their pain points, what they like and dislike about the current design, and any suggestions they may have for improvement. This feedback can help you identify areas where your design can be enhanced and provide you with valuable ideas for your new intranet design.
5. Design Communities and Forums
Joining design communities and forums can be a great way to connect with other designers and get feedback on your intranet design. Websites like Behance and Dribbble have active communities where designers share their work and provide feedback to each other. You can post your intranet design concepts and ask for feedback and suggestions. Engaging with other designers can help you refine your design ideas and get valuable insights from the design community.
Conclusion
Finding design inspiration for your intranet is essential to create a visually appealing and user-friendly platform for your organization. By exploring SharePoint Showcase, design blogs and websites, analyzing competitors, gathering user feedback, and engaging with design communities, you can gather a wealth of ideas and inspiration for your intranet design. Remember to always customize and tailor the design to fit your organization’s unique needs and branding. With the right inspiration and a thoughtful design process, you can create an intranet that enhances productivity and collaboration within your organization.