Unifying the cisco intranet through hierarchical navigation

ABSTRACT

Cisco web-enabled numerous processes during a period of rapid growth, resulting in a number of disconnected sites and tools. Although this innovation cut costs, employees could not easily find information and had to learn new models of navigation and interaction. This paper describes how the Intranet Strategy team responded by designing a hierarchical navigation system that met user and business requirements, connected numerous isolated sites, and encouraged standardization and governance of the Intranet. The team leveraged prior work on navigation for Cisco's public web site, created and tested a series of prototypes, and integrated the final design with an innovative template framework. The result was better navigation, increased relevancy, and reduced costs.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques

  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques
  I.7 DOCUMENT AND TEXT PROCESSING

Keywords:
information architecture, interaction design, intranets, navigation, usability, user interface design, user research, user-centered design, visual design