Designing an Intranet with Dungeons & Dragons
The Quest Map of an Intranet
the Quest Map of an Intranet is the visual representation of the user journey on the platform. It serves as a guide for users to navigate through the different features and functions of the Intranet. It can be compared to a map that a player uses in a D&D game to navigate through different terrains, find hidden treasures, and reach their final destination.
​
A Quest Map of an Intranet should be designed with the user experience in mind. It should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and provide clear directions. The map should take into account the different levels of access and permissions that different users might have on the platform. The Quest Map can be divided into different sections or levels, each representing different departments, functions, or tasks.
For example, in our HR department scenario, the Quest Map of the Intranet could be divided into different sections such as Onboarding, Benefits, Payroll, Performance Management, and Training. Each section would have its own sub-sections, and each sub-section would have its own set of tasks and functions.
​
The Quest Map can also incorporate elements of gamification to make the user journey more engaging and rewarding. For instance, the user could earn badges or points for completing tasks or achieving certain milestones on the platform. This could incentivize users to explore different features of the Intranet and engage more with the platform.
​
To create an effective Quest Map, UX designers need to understand the user's needs, behaviors, and goals. This can be done through user research, user testing, and data analysis. UX designers should also work closely with stakeholders and department heads to understand the different workflows, processes, and tasks involved in each section of the Quest Map.
​
Overall, the Quest Map of an Intranet plays a crucial role in the user experience and can greatly impact the effectiveness of the platform. By designing an intuitive, engaging, and user-centered Quest Map, companies can ensure that their employees are able to navigate the Intranet easily and efficiently, ultimately leading to increased productivity and better outcomes for the organization as a whole.
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.