Elevating Communication Through Strategic Design

Georgia Tech Research Institute: Streamlining Internal Platforms with Content Architecture

Client: Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI)
Industry: Higher Education, Research
Project Focus: Internal Communications, Content Strategy, IA/UX Design, Knowledge Management

Challenge

GTRI's internal IT space needed a strategic overhaul. The existing Confluence site lacked clear structure, usability, and engagement, leading to an overwhelming content environment for users and inconsistent publishing practices for internal teams. The goal was to transform this space into a streamlined, intuitive knowledge hub that reflected GTRI’s innovative research and operational excellence.

Approach

As the lead Content Strategist on a contract engagement, I owned the project from discovery to delivery. This included developing the full strategy, leading content audits, designing templates, defining IA, training staff, and recommending long-term governance practices.

  • Conducted a comprehensive audit of all existing Confluence content across multiple departments, analyzing page relevance, duplication, and opportunities for consolidation. Developed a master tracker to support future governance and migration.

  • Created a modular template system for Confluence pages based on audience needs and departmental goals. Each template was tailored to align with business functions and user tasks, improving consistency and findability.

  • Outlined a scalable framework for a cross-departmental knowledge base. Delivered detailed recommendations for long-term structure, including how-to content, dynamic tagging, and structured documentation.

  • Proposed improvements to search functionality and tagging based on keyword research and navigation testing. Suggested tools such as Optimal Workshop for future card sorting and tree testing to improve usability.

  • Authored a Confluence-specific training manual and conducted onboarding sessions with department SMEs and content creators to standardize content generation and support knowledge sharing.

  • Delivered a roadmap for future performance measurement, including analytics setup, heatmap tracking, and a governance model to ensure continued content optimization post-launch.

Results

  • Delivered scalable page templates that improved internal content quality and discoverability

  • Created operational content guidelines and strategic documentation to support long-term governance

  • Equipped departmental leads to manage and maintain their content independently

  • Provided clear next steps to expand the strategy across other GTRI departments

Services Provided

  • Comprehensive content audit & inventory

  • Modular Confluence page template design

  • Internal knowledge base framework

  • Search & navigation optimization

  • Cross-departmental content governance planning

  • Staff training & enablement documentation

  • Analytics and performance roadmap

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