The Ask

AMREF’s project division relied on an outdated intranet system that hindered efficient collaboration, knowledge sharing, and document management across teams. The existing platform was difficult to navigate, lacked a standardized information structure, and provided a poor user experience. As a result, employees struggled to access essential resources, leading to inefficiencies and information silos.
The Observation
Through research and usability testing, it became clear that AMREF staff faced difficulties in locating critical documents, communicating across teams, and managing project-related information. The intranet needed a user-friendly interface, improved information architecture, and enhanced searchability to streamline workflows and foster better knowledge management.The Process

User Research & Benchmarking
- Conducted desk research to analyze best practices from leading intranet platforms.
- Engaged stakeholders through interviews and surveys to understand key pain points and requirements.
- Mapped user personas to align the platform with employees’ specific needs.
Information Architecture & Prototyping
- Developed a new, structured nomenclature to categorize documents, ensuring intuitive navigation.
- Created a prototype based on Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to enhance usability and accessibility.
Usability Testing & Iteration
- Tested the prototype with AMREF staff to gather feedback on navigation, functionality, and overall user experience.
- Refined the design based on insights to optimize the intranet’s efficiency.
Deliverables
- User Research Report: Findings from stakeholder interviews, surveys, and benchmarking.
- Personas & User Journey Maps: Detailed representations of AMREF staff needs and workflows.
- Prototype: A fully designed and tested intranet prototype to guide AMREF’s internal development team.
- Information Architecture Framework: A structured nomenclature for organizing documents and resources.
The Outcome
With a redesigned prototype, AMREF now has a clear roadmap for building a modernized intranet. The new design promises to improve collaboration, simplify document access, and enhance overall efficiency. By addressing user pain points and integrating a logical information structure, AMREF’s project division is set to experience a more seamless digital workplace.