Led the successful launch of The Portal, an innovative employee intranet platform that was a key component of an overhaul of internal communications at Harris County Department of Education (HCDE). Working with ThoughtFarmer, a company that specializes in social intranet-focused software, I implemented a comprehensive digital workspace that serves over 1,000 employees across multiple divisions. The mobile-responsive platform features automated division-specific content delivery, collaborative social spaces, and real-time updates accessible from any device.
Key achievements include:
- streamlining communication channels
- enabling remote access for field-based staff
- fostering cross-departmental collaboration through dedicated social forums.
The platform’s user-friendly interface, featuring our mascot Uni and a space-themed design, has significantly improved employee engagement and information accessibility. This initiative directly supports HCDE’s mission of delivering exceptional educational services to Harris County’s students and families by ensuring our teams are better connected and informed.
DESIGN CONCEPT
The Portal’s design concept artfully merges HCDE’s unique identity with Houston’s iconic space heritage. At the heart of the design is Uni, our unicorn mascot who symbolizes HCDE’s distinction as Texas’ only remaining county department of education. This mythical creature perfectly represents our organization’s one-of-a-kind role in serving Harris County’s educational landscape.
Building on this foundation, we developed an immersive space-themed interface that pays homage to Houston’s legacy as Space City while embodying our forward-thinking approach to education. The “Welcome to the Uni-verse” greeting cleverly combines our mascot with cosmic elements, creating a playful yet purposeful user experience. More Uni name dropping is sprinkled throughout the site (HCDE CommUNIty, UNIfied in Gratitude, Career OpportUNIties, UNIquely HCDE). Throughout the platform, stellar motifs and celestial imagery reinforce our commitment to exploring new frontiers in education.
This intentional design strategy accomplishes multiple goals: it grounds the platform in local culture, creates an engaging employee experience, and visually communicates HCDE’s innovative spirit. The result is a digital workspace that’s both functional and inspirational, where the whimsy of a unicorn mascot meets the limitless possibilities of space exploration – much like how HCDE continues to push boundaries in educational services.