PeopleSoft.com Case Study

PeopleSoft had three existing significant Web properties - PeopleSoft.com, Customer Connection, and Alliance Connection - that had developed independently over time under disparate management, and as a result were only superficially aligned with each other. PeopleSoft realized the inefficiencies of this system and proposed merging the three sites into a single property that would serve the different audiences via permissions-based roles. This system would ensure that resources weren't needlessly duplicated, and that customers would receive a consistent experience across the properties. Adaptive Path, working with Lot 21, developed the new content architecture framework.

Understanding PeopleSoft's Users

Through conducting deep interviews on how people interact with PeopleSoft (either as a potential customer, a current customer, or a partner), we developed a "Mental Model" which represented through clear visuals the variety of tasks involved in this relationship.

Designing the Site's Blueprint

Derived directly from the Mental Model, we developed the information architecture for the unified PeopleSoft.com. We chose a task-based approach, wherein the site's major sections reflected the steps their customers are undergoing.

Bringing Order to Complexity

PeopleSoft offers over 160 software products, integrated in a variety of different ways (by product line, by industry, and by business process). Adaptive Path developed a detailed Product Matrix to clarify this landscape, and worked with PeopleSoft's in-house Web team to produce a clearer organizational framework.

Dotting I's and Crossing T's

To ensure that our designs were accurately implemented, we drew up functional specifications for every page type. Page layout, navigation, content elements, and interaction behaviors were clearly identified. Such attention to detail made designing the visuals and implementing the technology much easier.