Ashley Creech

The Challenge: Navigating the Chaos

The client was saddled with an outdated SharePoint site that acted more as an obstacle course than a repository. Teams and individuals were spending valuable time sifting through haphazardly arranged content, which led to inefficiencies and delays. Document retrieval was akin to a treasure hunt, and the overall user experience was woefully outdated. It wasn’t just a technical problem; it was a severe impediment to organizational workflow and productivity.

The Underlying Issues

• Navigation Maze: Users often described the experience as ‘wandering through a maze,’ where important documents were buried under layers of folders and inconsistent naming conventions.
• Content Disorganization: Multiple teams had independently contributed content, leading to an ad-hoc assembly of materials that lacked coherence and structure.

The Solution: Crafting a Digital Ecosystem

As part of a nimble team that included a UX Designer and a Content Strategy Manager, I embarked on a journey to revamp the SharePoint site. We started with an exhaustive review of the existing layout, design, and content categorizations. Our overarching goal was to create a user-friendly environment where information was not just stored but was easily retrievable and visually pleasing.

How I helped

• Information Architecture: I joined hands with the UX Designer to map out a new information architecture that was intuitive and user-centric. We employed wireframes and user flow diagrams to visualize how the revamped site would function.
• Content Modeling: I took the lead in creating a content model that standardized how information would be stored, accessed, and managed. This involved scrutinizing every piece of content, from policy documents to internal newsletters, ensuring each had a ‘home’ that made logical sense.
• Communication Strategy: Understanding that change can often lead to confusion or resistance, I developed a meticulous communications plan. This aimed to engage both internal staff and external users, ensuring that they were informed, trained, and comfortable with the new system.

The Outcome

The new SharePoint site was met with widespread approval, particularly for its intuitive navigation and enhanced user experience. Employees reported an easier time locating essential documents, while teams found collaboration to be more seamless than before. Additionally, the communication plan helped in making the transition smooth, with minimal disruptions to workflow.

“Ashley’s tenacity, attention to detail, and resilience set a high standard for the team, consistently delivering client-praised work despite technical and access hurdles. Her adaptability and drive ensured seamless collaboration, and her approach to every challenge reflects her commitment to excellence and teamwork.”

— Content Strategy Manager @ Avanade