Designing an Intranet with Dungeons & Dragons
The Character Sheets of an Intranet
In D&D, each player creates a character sheet that describes their skills, attributes, and equipment. Similarly, designing an Intranet requires a set of design documents that describe the system's architecture, components, and features. These design documents can take various forms, such as wireframes, flowcharts, user stories, and personas. Each design document represents a character sheet that describes the attributes and capabilities of the Intranet. The UX designer needs to work closely with the stakeholders to create a set of design documents that reflect the user's needs, business goals, and technological constraints.
Here are examples of character sheets for an Intranet:
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The Navigator: The Navigator is responsible for ensuring that the user experience of the Intranet is smooth and efficient. They help users find what they are looking for, and provide guidance on how to use the site's features. The Navigator has a deep understanding of the site's structure and content, and uses this knowledge to create intuitive navigation paths and user-friendly interfaces.
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The Connector: The Connector is focused on building relationships and fostering communication within the organization. They work to connect employees with one another, facilitate information sharing, and promote collaboration across departments and teams. The Connector uses tools like discussion forums, chat rooms, and social networking features to help people connect and share ideas.
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The Gatekeeper: The Gatekeeper is responsible for ensuring that the Intranet is secure and protected from external threats. They monitor access to the site, manage user permissions and passwords, and implement security protocols to safeguard sensitive information. The Gatekeeper is also responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest security threats and vulnerabilities, and for developing strategies to mitigate these risks.
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The Designer: The Designer is responsible for creating the visual design and branding of the Intranet. They use their skills in graphic design and user interface (UI) design to create a visually appealing and engaging site that reflects the organization's brand and values. The Designer also works closely with the UX team to ensure that the site is intuitive and easy to use.
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The Analytics Expert: The Analytics Expert is responsible for tracking and analyzing user data to gain insights into how the Intranet is being used. They use tools like Google Analytics to track user behavior, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of changes to the site. The Analytics Expert also works closely with the UX team to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and to develop strategies for optimizing the site's performance.
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The Content Creator: The Content Creator is responsible for developing and maintaining the content on the Intranet. This includes writing articles, creating training materials, and developing multimedia content such as videos and podcasts. The Content Creator works closely with other members of the team to ensure that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with the organization's messaging and branding.
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The Project Manager: The Project Manager is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Intranet team and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. They oversee the development of project plans, assign tasks to team members, and monitor progress against milestones. The Project Manager is also responsible for communicating with stakeholders and ensuring that their needs and expectations are being met.
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The UX Researcher: The UX Researcher is responsible for conducting user research to gain insights into how employees are using the Intranet, what their needs and pain points are, and how the site can be improved. They use tools like surveys, focus groups, and user testing to gather data, and work closely with the UX Designer to translate that data into actionable design recommendations.
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The Technical Lead: The Technical Lead is responsible for overseeing the technical development of the Intranet. They work closely with the UX and design teams to ensure that technical requirements are being met, and that the site is scalable, secure, and optimized for performance. The Technical Lead also manages relationships with third-party vendors and partners, and ensures that their work is aligned with the organization's goals and standards.
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The Trainer: The Trainer is responsible for ensuring that employees are trained on how to use the Intranet effectively. They develop training materials, conduct training sessions, and provide ongoing support to ensure that employees are comfortable and confident using the site. The Trainer also works closely with other members of the team to identify areas where additional training may be needed, and to develop strategies for addressing those gaps.
By defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member through character sheets, organizations can ensure that everyone is working together effectively and efficiently towards the common goal of creating a user-centered Intranet.
RULES
In D&D, the players follow a set of rules that govern the game mechanics, such as combat, movement, and spellcasting. Similarly, designing an Intranet requires a set of rules that govern the user's interactions with the system, such as navigation, search, and data entry. These rules can be defined through a set of design principles, such as consistency, simplicity, and feedback. Just like in D&D, the UX designer needs to ensure that the rules are clear, consistent, and fair to all users.
CHARACTER SHEETS
In D&D, each player creates a character sheet that describes their skills, attributes, and equipment. Similarly, designing an Intranet requires a set of design documents that describe the system's architecture, components, and features. These design documents can take various forms, such as wireframes, flowcharts, user stories, and personas. Each design document represents a character sheet that describes the attributes and capabilities of the Intranet. The UX designer needs to work closely with the stakeholders to create a set of design documents that reflect the user's needs, business goals, and technological constraints.
EQUIPMENT
In D&D, the players equip themselves with weapons, armor, and magical items that help them overcome challenges and enemies. Similarly, designing an Intranet requires a set of tools and features that help the user achieve their goals and complete their tasks. These tools can include search functions, data visualization, task management, and collaboration features. The UX designer needs to ensure that the tools are accessible, efficient, and relevant to the user's needs and goals.
QUEST MAP
In D&D, the players explore a world that is filled with dangers, treasures, and secrets. Similarly, designing an Intranet requires a map that guides the user's journey through the system. This map can take various forms, such as a site map, a task flow, or a navigation menu. The map should be intuitive, informative, and flexible to accommodate the user's needs and goals. Just like in D&D, the UX designer needs to provide the user with a sense of direction and purpose, as well as a sense of discovery and exploration.