We crafted a more intuitive web site navigation for Real Networks, a global leader in Internet media delivery.
Over time, the Real Networks web site had grown organically and without an overall information architecture to govern the addition of new content and links. Though the site contained extensive information about Real Networks' servers and content creation tools, many users never found the information and resorted to calling customer service or sales support. In addition, Real Networks planned a re-launch of the site to emphasize its position as a solution provider and wanted the site structure to strongly support this positioning.
Working closely with Real Networks, Blink developed an information architecture for the site that both supported Real Networks' organization goals and served the needs of its end users. Blink illustrated the new architecture by producing a site map, which Real Networks used to gain feedback and buy-in from key stakeholders. The next step was developing standards for page-level navigation -the display and placement of links that allow users to move up and down the information hierarchy. The implementation of the navigation was demonstrated by developing a paper prototype of the new web site. Once feedback from Real Networks was incorporated into the prototype, Blink conducted usability testing with a representative set of actual users. The testing validated the navigation approach and allowed Real Networks to move forward confidently with final graphic design and site development.
The materials produced by Blink provided the Real Networks development team with a clear game plan for the new site. The shared vision represented in the deliverables allowed development to move forward smoothly and efficiently. The new Real Networks web site was launched successfully and received highly favorable feedback from both internal and external users.