[Sigia-l] web applications - to integrate or not?

[kate.needham at agric.nsw.gov.au]

Can anyone advise me on what best practice is when it comes to designing 
corporate web applications from an IA and/or usability perspective. Should 
they be integrated into the site (i.e. within the site's navigation, and 
with stylistic reference to the site), or should they stand alone and have 
their own branding and identity? When, if ever, should they open in a new 
browser window?

I am coming at this from an intranet perspective. I manage an intranet 
that has both simple, single-page applications, and complex, multi-page, 
transactional applications (my sense is that these two types of 
applications should be treated differently). Currently, none of them are 
integrated with the site - they do not have the intranet's navigation, nor 
do they look anything like the intranet. My own feeling is that it impacts 
on the user experience (the user has to learn a new way to navigate with 
each application, it is unclear to the user that they are still in the 
intranet).

Any help appreciated.

Kate Needham

Kate Needham
Intranet Coordinator
NSW Agriculture


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