--- title: Improve your HR Portal with Design Thinking description: Design thinking is a solution focused mindset, based on actions not problems. Neocase looks at how this line of thinking can benefit and improve HR portals. image: https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/hubfs/design-thinking.jpg --- [![Neocase BY Sopra HR-07](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/hubfs/Neocase%20BY%20Sopra%20HR-07.png) ![Neocase BY Sopra HR-07](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/hubfs/Neocase%20BY%20Sopra%20HR-07.png)](https://www.neocasesoftware.com) - Product - [![](https://neocasesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/file-text-icon.svg)Solutions](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/) - [Neocase HR](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-hr-solution) - [Neocase HR Ready](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-hr-ready-solution) - [Neocase Employee Journey](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-employee-journey) - [Neocase Employee Relations](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-employee-relations) - [![](https://neocasesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/grid-icon.svg)Modules](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hris-modules) - 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[![](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/at-sign-icon.svg)Neocase by sopra HR](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/about-neocase) - [![](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/users-icon.svg)Partners](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/our-partners) - [Support](https://onlinesupport.neocasesoftware.com/) Loading... × ## Book a demo now ## And see it in action Your details are 100% safe - ### We will endeavor to get back to you within 24 hours and will schedule a demo based on availability - ### The demo will be provided remotely to you and will last approximately 60 minutes × ###### [Self-Service Portal](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/self-service-portal) # Improve your HR Portal with Design Thinking Posted on [December 14, 2016](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/design-thinking-improves-hr-portal) by [Jim Watson](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/author/jim-watson) [Home](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/) > [Neocase Blog](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/design-thinking-improves-hr-portal) > **Improve your HR Portal with Design Thinking** There’s an article in the September 2015 issue of the Harvard Business Review called “[Design Thinking Comes of Age](https://hbr.org/2015/09/design-thinking-comes-of-age).” In the article, Jon Kolko outlines five principles of design culture that are intended to shape products and processes so that people will want to use them. What would happen if you consistently applied those principles to your HR Portal? Well, let’s see… ## Focus on users’ experiences When you’re focusing on the [user experience](https://www.usertesting.com/blog/2015/08/13/what-is-user-experience/), you’re putting the users’ needs ahead of internal operational efficiencies.  This is the opposite of how software designers used to go about their job.  I think we’ve all heard stories about how some of the older HR applications sold by very big vendors can make the end users’ lives miserable. Compare that with applications like Amazon, Kayak and Uber.  If you’ve used any of those, you probably never had to read the manual, or go through a training class.  In fact, doubt either of those resources event exist – they don’t need to. Prospects will sometimes ask us if we train employees how to use our HR portal.  The answer has predominantly been “No – if they need training, we haven’t done our job in designing the portal.” ## **Create Customer Journey Maps** The [customer journey map is](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/blog/use-customer-journey-map-improve-employee-experience/) a tool that helps the designer understand the life of the end user.  It does this by creating a diagram that maps out every step of a particular user scenario (e.g. searching the knowledge base), and identifying all the factors that impact the user experience. These “factors” include the touchpoints with which the end user comes in direct contact (such as the placement of a “Search box” on the screen, and those factors that [don’t come in directly touch the user](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/blog/many-companies-cant-get-employee-experience-right/) – such as the design of the search engine, that finds the knowledge base content that the user sees. Using customer journey maps will give you the right perspective to understand things from the users’ point of view, and therefore, be in a better position to design for the user experience. ## Use prototypes to explore potential solutions It can be difficult to nail the user experience in a single release.   The advantage of multiple iterations is that you can gain user feedback on what works well, and what doesn’t. You may be thinking, “Nope – we need to get it right the first time, or we lose our credibility with the employees, and they won’t come back to the portal again.”  One way around this is to make the prototype available to a smaller segment of users, instead of the entire employee population. Then if the change fails, you haven’t cashed in all your credibility.  Oh, and one other thing – it doesn’t hurt to alert your test population that you’re going to be rolling out a few “experimental changes.” *Lessons learned from small failures can lead to large successes.* ## Tolerate failure You probably guessed this one, if you read the last section.  Be willing to take risks that may not work out.  Be sure to identify the lessons learned in each failure, so that you can use the lesson productively moving forward. ## Exhibit thoughtful restraint Just because you *can* add a feature to the portal, doesn’t mean you *should*.  In fact, there’s an entire school of thought (some say it was founded by a guy named Jobs) that says the user experience should be as simple as possible. Steve Jobs was famous for [eliminating features](http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2011/05/16/steve-jobs-get-rid-of-the-crappy-stuff/#39b54de5563a) from products.  The theory says fewer features make the product easier to use.  And if it’s easy to use, it gets used more often.  And if employees use your HR portal more often, doesn’t that mean that HR will have more time for more productive and strategic work? ## In Summary The use of design principles in creating an HR portal can help make the portal a success – for both the employees, and for HR.  Focus first and foremost on the user experience, create and use customer journey maps, use prototypes with a controlled population of users, tolerate failure, and learn from it, and by all means, keep it simple by exhibiting thoughtful restraint.   An example of a Customer Journey Map   Share this post ![Jim Watson](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/hubfs/JWA.jpg) ##### Jim Watson Jim Watson is a Sr. Solution Consultant for HR Service Delivery at Neocase Software, and has been helping clients improve their Employee Experience, HR Productivity and Service Center Efficiency for over 10 years. He lives on the coast of Maine where he enjoys reading, writing and rowing which inspire his pursuit of the Perfect Service Experience! ### CATEGORIES - [HR Service Delivery (231)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/hr-service-delivery-posts) - [Press (34)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/press) - [Experience collaborateur (33)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/experience-collaborateur) - [Case Management (31)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/case-management) - [Self-Service Portal (29)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/self-service-portal) - [Product (26)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/product) - [Employee Experience (22)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/employee-experience) - [Knowledge Base (22)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/knowledge-base) - [Best Practices (21)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/best-practices) - [Business Process Automation (20)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/business-process-automation-posts) - [Digital transformation (15)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/digital-transformation) - [Feature (14)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/feature) - [Artificial Intelligence (13)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [Future of HR (13)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/future-of-hr) - [Fosway (11)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/fosway) - [Partner (11)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/partner) - [Employee Journey (10)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/employee-journey) - [Employee Relations (10)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/employee-relations) - [Events (10)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/events) - [COVID-19 (8)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/covid-19) - [Employee Document Management (8)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/employee-document-management) - [Customers (7)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/customers) - [Onboarding (7)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/onboarding) - [Neocase HR (6)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/neocase-hr) - [EDM (5)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/edm) - [Chatbot (4)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/chatbot) - [Data Confidentiality (4)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/data-confidentiality) - [Manufacturing (4)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/manufacturing) - [Analytics (3)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/analytics) - [ERM (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/erm) - [Monthly Updates (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/monthly-updates) - [News (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/news) - [Reporting (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/reporting) - [Webinar (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/webinar) - [offboarding (2)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/offboarding) - [Gartner (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/gartner) - [Health and Safety at work (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/health-and-safety-at-work) - [Professional Services (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/professional-services) - [Quality of work (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/quality-of-work) - [Shared Cervice Center (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/shared-cervice-center) - [Success Story (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/success-story) - [What is..? (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/what-is) - [Workday connector (1)](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/workday-connector) See all ## See the Power of [HR Service Delivery](https://info.neocasesoftware.com/book-demo?hsLang=en) [Book a demo now](https://info.neocasesoftware.com/book-demo?hsLang=en) Blog articles you don’t want to miss directly in your inbox What is Neocase and how does it help HR teams? Neocase is a cloud-based HR service delivery platform that automates HR processes, improves employee experience, and optimizes shared service center operations. It helps HR teams reduce manual tasks, increase efficiency, and deliver faster, more personalized services. What are the main features of Neocase HR solutions? Neocase offers a wide range of features, including: - **Case Management** for handling employee requests efficiently - **Knowledge Base** for self-service and quick answers - **Document Management** for secure storage and compliance - **Employee Self-Service Portals** for easy access to HR services - **AI-powered Automation** to streamline workflows and reduce response times - **Reports and Analytics** to monitor HR performance and manage key indicators. Can Neocase integrate with existing HR systems like SAP SuccessFactors or Workday? Yes. Neocase integrates seamlessly with leading HRIS platforms such as SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and others. These integrations ensure smooth data exchange and process continuity without disrupting your existing HR ecosystem. How does Neocase ensure data security and compliance? Neocase is ISO 27001 certified and fully GDPR compliant. The platform uses secure cloud architecture, encryption, and strict access controls to protect sensitive HR data and maintain compliance with global regulations. Is Neocase suitable for global organizations and multi-language environments? Absolutely. Neocase supports multi-country deployments, multiple languages, and localization features, making it ideal for global organizations with diverse workforces. How can I request a demo or learn more about pricing? You can ask for informations by visiting our [Contact Page](https://info.neocasesoftware.com/get-in-touch?hsLang=en) or filling out the [demo request](https://info.neocasesoftware.com/book-demo?hsLang=en) form available on our website. ### Continue reading [The New Neocase Portal: A Revolution in the Digital HR Experience](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/the-new-neocase-employee-portal?hsLang=en) [Talent Management and Employee Communications: The Key to Success in Mining HR](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/talent-management-and-employee-communications-the-key-to-success-in-mining-hr?hsLang=en) [Revolutionizing HR Management: AXA Belgium's Success Story with Neocase](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/revolutionizing-hr-management-axa-belgium-success-story-with-neocase?hsLang=en) ### [Solutions](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/) - [Neocase HR](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-hr-solution/) - [Neocase HR Ready](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-hr-ready-solution/) - [Employee Journey](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-employee-journey/) - [Employee Relations](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/hr-solutions/neocase-employee-relations/) ### [Integrations](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/integrations/) - [Workday](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/integrations/workday/) - [Microsoft Teams](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/integrations/microsoft-teams/) - [SAP SuccessFactors](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/integrations/neocase-integrated-to-sap-successfactors/) - [Access](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/integrations/neocase-and-access-peoplexd-integration/) ### [About](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/about-neocase/) - [Contact Us](https://info.neocasesoftware.com/get-in-touch) - [Support](https://onlinesupport.neocasesoftware.com/) - [The Company](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/about-neocase/) - [Career](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/career/) - [Partners](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/our-partners/) - [Press Room](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/tag/press) ### Follow Us [Blog](https://blog.neocasesoftware.com/fr?hsLang=en) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/neocasesoftware/) [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/@NeocaseSoftwareInc) ### Subscribe Receive the Neocase monthly newsletter ### Our addresses **Neocase Software Northern America** 275 Grove St, Auburndale, Massachusetts 02466 USA   **Neocase Software Europe** 91 Boulevard National, La Garenne-Colombes 92250   - [Terms of use](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/terms-of-use) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookie Policy](https://www.neocasesoftware.com/cookie-policy) Copyright © **Neocase Software**