Client Objective:

In early 1998 Arthur Andersen approached vivid studios in search of design and engineering solutions for their KnowledgeSpace website. KnowledgeSpace provides information to senior executives and business professionals who play a role in the strategic planning, process improvement, and performance enhancement of their organizations. Arthur Andersen contracted vivid to provide them with improvements in the site's navigation to provide quick access to content deep within the site. Arthur Andersen also wanted vivid to create a more distinctive home page and a bolder and more inviting user experience with higher levels of customization.

vivid Implementation:

For KnowledgeSpace version 2.0, vivid created a website that places more power in users' hands through enhanced customization levels and a more efficient navigation system. Promoting the depth and breadth of the site, the new three-tab navigation system enables easy access to all content areas. The "Browse" tab is designed for those who need simple, consistent, and orienting navigation. The "Solutions" tab provides users with quick access to different problem solving tools on the site. The "Business Radar" tab stores the user's customizable search list. Saved search topics can be created from a current list of issues or a user's custom subject.

Under vivid's direction, rigorous usability testing was conducted to evaluate the initial information design, navigation, and user interactions. Testers' experiences and reactions to the site were observed and recorded to refine and enhance the design. vivid's design gives KnowledgeSpace subscribers more opportunities to interact personally with the site. Customization is streamlined and a visual information hierarchy directs the user to key content. Overall, the look and feel creates a more exciting experience for the user, bringing heavy text content to life through a bolder more sophisticated and professional appearance.