Components of a Service Catalog

Components of a Service Catalog

September 2012

Information Education Technology

First Impressions


Sharp, Vibrant Icons

Like this: Not this::


Nice, Even Spacing

Like this: Not this:

Underlining clutters page


Layout Consistency

• Users can toggle between pages without re-orienting

Same headings used from page to page

(in red)


Effective Visual Cues

Both serve the same purpose.

Like this: Not this:

But only one really sells the service.


Good & Bad Visual Cues

• Strategic color accent

• Too much prose• No visual priority


The Mechanics


Live Support = RELIEF

Make sure it’s visible.

Human tech support is powerful:


Support the Lazy

• “Find Answers” box

• Lets you submit questions

Too lazy to do the research?

Don’t need to dig around for it: it’s on every page!


Cut to the Chase

ColorHighlights

Visual Emphasis

=Content Divider

• Use bullets when you can

• Content digestibility


the Urgent

Distinct coloring

Prominent icon

EMPHASIZE


Interaction Categories

• Identity-based • Show me services for my target group

• Integrates users

Tailored to various

clients


Interaction Categories

Need based (categories)

Identity based


Show Me Supplements

• Related services expand search potential• Good for browsers

Supports interest-based interaction category


Too Much Tech Talk

• Avoid technical jargon

Including terms like hack or theft would be more

“dummy-friendly”

?

?


Hiding Good Stuff

This is gold for emergencies:

Too bad it’s so hard to find:


Buried Links

Important link embedded in block of text


Too Much Going On

• 3 panels of links/info can overwhelm


Glitched Searches