Design Tips for a Stellar Intranet

Designing SharePoint That Works: A UX First Approach

SharePoint is more than a document repository. It is a digital workplace. When designed well, it becomes a central hub for collaboration, communication, and culture. But too often, SharePoint sites are cluttered, confusing, or disconnected from the user experience. Here’s how to design with intention and impact.

1. Start with Empathy, Not Architecture

Before diving into site structure, understand your users. What do they need to accomplish? What frustrates them? Conduct quick interviews or surveys to uncover pain points and priorities. Design should solve problems, not just organize content.Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

2. Keep Navigation Intuitive
A good SharePoint site feels effortless to explore. Use clear labels, limit top level navigation to five to seven items, and group related content logically. Avoid jargon and acronyms. What makes sense to IT may confuse the average user.

3. Prioritize Visual Hierarchy

Design with clarity. Use headings, spacing, and section layouts to guide the eye. Hero web parts can highlight key messages while collapsible sections help reduce visual noise. Every page should have a clear purpose and flow.

4. Make It Brand Reflective, Not Just Branded
Your SharePoint should reflect your organization’s culture. Go beyond logos and colors. Use imagery, tone, and layout that feel familiar and engaging. A well-designed site builds trust and encourages adoption.

5. Test, Learn, Iterate

Launch is just the beginning. Gather feedback, monitor usage, and refine your design. SharePoint is a living platform. Treat it like a product, not a project.