msp circuit

Duo Design successfully developed a new intranet for Manchester Science Parks (MSP ), branded as msp Circuit. An interactive business resource, msp Circuit provides an online corporate forum where msp ’s community of 90 plus tenant companies can network, share best practice, market their company to other tenants, and keep up to date with news and developments on the Science Park.

Before the development of msp Circuit, an older intranet service was in use, which provided a basic online communications tool for msp and its tenant companies. However, the old intranet looked dated and was underused, it's primary function was as an online fault reporting tool. A new, up-to-date intranet service, msp Circuit is now providing a more useful business tool, encouraging tenant companies to network, share knowledge and become actively involved in msp’s community of science and technology companies.

Prior to and during the design of msp Circuit, Duo Design carried out a number of focus groups with a selection of msp tenant companies to explore what features and functions they wanted to see on a new intranet. This enabled Duo Design to develop a new intranet with users’ needs and requirements in mind. This has not only helped to create a sense of ownership of msp Circuit amongst tenant companies but is has also ensured businesses will get the best value from the application.

msp Circuit went live on Monday, March 23rd and has so far received a positive response from both msp staff and tenant companies. Features such as Google search, Tweets on the Park (Twittering), the ability to make msp Circuit your homepage and quick loading capability have encouraged tenant companies to explore the site and use it as an e-business tool, a site where they can network, share knowledge and collaborate. For example, via the IT Tweet group, IT companies are now able to give advice and pose questions to other technology business on the Park. Functions available on the old intranet have also been enhanced, for example Room Booking and Fault Reporting can now be completed via a simple, two click procedure. In addition, msp Circuit’s clean design ensures users are not overwhelmed with information and can easily access the areas and information they need.

msp Circuit uses Duo Design’s Duo CMS content management system and msp has appreciated having the capability to easily and quickly edit, update and manage intranet content. In addition, Duo’s flexible system means it is easy to add new functionality to the application, allowing msp Circuit to develop alongside tenant companies’ needs and requirements. This allows Duo Design to streamline the system over time, ensuring the sections which are used most are the easiest to get to, and optimising the application for users.

Tweet excerpts    

"Well done on the design of the MSP circuit I can now edit my information the log in worked ok for me and this is a vast improvment." Matthew Bell : Manchester Electrical Contractor

"Well done to Duo for the new msp circuit.. Looking forward to seeing it develop."
Andrew Threlfall : Liquid Bronze