Tips for Building Knowledge

T willingness of organizational users to access and use their knowledge infrastructure depends on the success of the user interface. If the interface is too complicated or cumbersome, many users will not proceed further and will choose alternative methods for essential tasks, even if less efficient or comprehensive (Tiwana, 2000). Die-hard computer buffs may brave any interface; for many, however, “the apparel oft proclaims the man” (Hamlet, I.iii.72), and a first impression gels to a permanent judgment. Indeed, assessing a program by way of its interface is more than the case of a book being judged by its cover, since the interface needs to be actively engaged to allow for entry into the program.