Intranet Redesign for an Am Law 100 Law Firm

Knox Design Strategy partnered closely with the Information Technology team at Ballard Spahr – an AmLaw 100 national law firm – to reimagine and implement a more intuitive, user-friendly intranet that serves as a central hub for internal communication and collaboration. Through a structured, employee-focused process, we identified and addressed key pain points to create a platform that supports the firm’s evolving needs.

We began by conducting in-depth interviews with employees at all levels – business support staff, associates, and partners – to gain a comprehensive view of the existing intranet’s challenges. These conversations revealed issues with platform clutter, outdated functionality, and a lack of intuitive, task-based navigation. Employees struggled to locate essential information quickly, leading to an over-reliance on email and limiting collaboration across teams. With these insights, and input from the Information Technology team, we developed a strategic plan for a future-state intranet that would improve usability, streamline access to resources, and support efficient, task-focused navigation.

Our team crafted a streamlined intranet design focused on accessibility, intuitive navigation, and quick access to critical resources. Built within SharePoint Online, the redesigned intranet leverages the platform’s robust functionality, ensuring a scalable and future-ready solution. To validate our approach, we conducted usability testing with firm stakeholders to refine the user experience and test new terminology and organization. This feedback allowed us to make targeted adjustments, ensuring that the intranet would deliver a satisfying user experience from day one.

The result is a modern, accessible intranet that empowers employees to connect, collaborate, and complete tasks efficiently. With task-based navigation and a clean, organized layout, users can quickly find what they need without frustration. The new platform minimizes email dependence and fosters a more collaborative, engaged work environment, effectively supporting the firm’s goals.