There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for building the perfect knowledge base. The tool you choose needs to be able to adapt and fit your organization’s needs. Be it internal, external, or hybrid, user experience should be at the center of how you build or customize your knowledge base. Moreover, to stand out, you need to make your knowledge base yours, beyond your brand’s style guide, colors, and logo. Make it stand out in your own way.
For the last 15 years, our team has worked relentlessly to build innovative features and to help people, and their organizations, have crucial information at only a click away. Here are a few examples of successful knowledge bases we have built for the different clients to enable better and faster collaboration that you can draw inspiration from:
- Lenovo, for which we facilitated collaboration for over 7000 users by migrating to a custom knowledge base in under 30 days.
- CNFPT, for which we built and launched WikiTerritorial with XWiki-all-in-one spaces for knowledge, articles, news.
- EasyVista, which we helped reduce silos and improve internal communication with a bi-lingual Knowledge Base solution
- HLS (The Historical Dictionary of Switzerland), for which we implemented a solution allowing publishers to create, edit and publish articles in 3 different languages while offering powerful search and indexing capabilities
- We might be biased here, but we have to include XWiki SAS and XWiki.org in which we have segmented information based on the type of user included feedback forms and pointers to easily navigate to the desired answer.
Below I've identified cool resources I found inspiring for those that are ready to build or revamp their knowledge base in 2022 (or even 2021, if you're ready for the work)
Canva
It's no secret Canva is a heavily visual tool (it's their bread and butter after all) and we were not surprised to find a clean and airy knowledge base that is clearly Canva-approved. I loved the split into major categories, the "popular topics" suggestions under the search bar, not to mention the reference to their blog and design school. Obviously, they understand very well their users' needs and cater to them.
CNFPT
I'll have to apologize in advance to those that don't speak French, but this one is too good not to share. The National Center for Regional Public Services (CNFPT) has one of the most media-centered knowledge bases I covered in this list. It only makes sense, given its mission is to make the information as friendly and easy to access as possible. The meta-categories and the personalized layout for each of them are also contributing to identifying the needed information seamlessly.
EasyVista
This multi-languages and multi-audiences knowledge base has my heart for the technical complexity it brings, while also being really clean and to the point. To some extend, EasyVista is a mega-knowledge base, as it fosters dedicated knowledge bases for each product they have, including translations in multiple languages. Now that's really cool! One extra point goes for having a Virtual Assistant that can help users with quick answers and links to relevant documentation.
Element
Who said your knowledge base can't be your product? Element does just that and successfully. I love that you can join a room (chat) based on the app you're using and that the most frequent questions end up listed on the page. Clever? Absolutely!
GitLab
In this knowledge base, GitLab has perfected the modular approach to delivering a lot of information. From splitting between solutions, features, topics, and even references (music to my ears), everything one might need seems (and is) a few clicks away. Extra points for including a button to "Get a free trial" and one for the latest release notes in the main menu.
Miro
Another example of segmentation done right, with a bit of extra spice coming from the branded illustrations. I love that it's mirroring their product's ease of use and keeps information clear, actionable, and not intimidating. Kudos for the "Getting started" section, it's always refreshing seeing companies going the extra mile making sure they accommodate users fully.
Passbolt
Oh, the times I've visited this page. The Passbolt team does a great job covering all the potential needs of a user, admin, or contributor, all while keeping navigation smooth. From how to get started, to resetting your password for the 3rd time today (the perks of creating super-strong passwords while your memory is on the super-low end) or how to become a contributor, this knowledge base has it all.
PD Paola
I've included this example for 2 reasons: (1) to exit the software realm, knowledge bases are needed in all industries, and (2) because I've been heavily targeted by this brand (little did they know for what I'll use the click on their nicely crafted ad). What makes this knowledge base beautiful is its simplicity - in the best ways. A conscious choice, if I can tell from their branding, everything on the knowledge base is clean and simple to put their product in the spotlight. That's a very nice point of inspiration for other eCommerce brands (and not only).
todoist
I've been following this task management software for a while now, and not only does it deliver a great tool, its team shares the best tips on how to stay sane, productive, and motivated. The approach to their knowledge base is similar: no clutter, quick directions to main points of interest (for example their known issues or their blog). I especially like the support offered at the end, just in case you still haven't found what you were looking for.
Zapier
How to organize a knowledge base that has a lot of information to offer? Leave it to Zapier! From the clean and concise homepage, one would assume there's not much documentation in this knowledge base. However, this is a well-optimized knowledge base that caters to end-users and admins alike, while still managing to showcase their community, university and so much more.
In lieu of conclusions, here are some key takeaways:
1. Always have your knowledge base's audience in mind.
2. Make navigation intuitive.
3. Organize and add the human touch with visuals.
4. Make content easy to skim.
5. Add contact information for those questions that haven't been answered just yet.
Ready to streamline your business with a Knowledge Base? Download our guide for a step by step how to and examples.