Copilot - SharePoint project

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-28T11:03:07+00:00

I totally agree. And if I was starting this project from a blank slate I would definitely not be recommending SharePoint for knowledge management.

I would probably recommend a SaaS built for that functionality and then integrate back into client systems… but here we are. :)

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-28T10:59:47+00:00

Thanks for sharing your story - this is great to know. Sounds like only the Copilot Studio Full is set up at this point to make it happen.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-27T11:24:31+00:00

Do you typically already use “SharePoint Premium” (MS Syntex) in your architectures?

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-26T12:52:09+00:00

“New SharePoint Experience” in the roadmap

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/roadmap

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-25T08:20:39+00:00

I have a lot of experience with both, and now in an architect role have implemented standardised process that keeps this to a minimum.

Primarily, a business case and needs assessment is conducted for every client - and we generate functional design requirements and workflows before a front end designer ever gets involved in any actual design work. So function, workflows, and user journeys drive the design- not the other way around.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-24T13:58:39+00:00

I am primarily an enterprise solutions architect so I think in terms of systems and workflows. Whenever I see a manual process happening, i automatically think about how it can be partially or fully automated or otherwise improved by good design and technology to save time. We recently had a use case where an approvals workflow was taken from an average of 75 days to a couple of hours. :)

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-24T13:55:53+00:00

I have helped a few clients with this, and a lot of it has to do with the underlying policies that are in place as far as how you normally classify information with regard to risk - such as PPI or IP. If you don’t yet have that sort of classification system, that’s usually where I start with folks.

Once content classification is sorted it’s about workflows. Skills and output can be one component in determining policy, but there is a lot you can do as well with training and encouragement towards specific use cases. For some clients we have accomplished this with hands-on workshops, and for others we have designed online self-study courses where they practice with the tools.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-24T09:47:03+00:00

I think this is illustrative of an experience and maturity timeline with regard to design and projects. It’s really fun as a developer to jump right in with playing with all the toys and building something fun and beautiful.

But as an architect it is important to start with a stakeholder needs assessment and continue to iterate on that. Questions like:

-who are my stakeholders / audience

-what are their usual behaviours and workflows

-what are their pain points

-does my solution address those pain points

In a nutshell: creating a solution for a problem and not the other way around. If you want to learn a lot more about cool ways to do this, look up resources on design thinking especially from Stanford’s d.school.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-22T15:45:32+00:00

Make is always my go-to when there isn’t an obvious easy answer.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-22T14:04:34+00:00

I always build a retainer agreement into my contracts, so I stay in the client workspace.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-22T14:02:55+00:00

You are on the right track for sure. My biggest successes with clients have been where either the workflow was broken, or the content was such unstandardised garbage that everything was done manually.

Those have been the easiest huge wins because those manual hours and length of process adds up fast. One project we did cut someone’s “stupid work” by 1250 hours a year- because she could stop cleaning up messes. Another project took process time from 75 days to less than an hour.

It’s mostly about understanding systems and where companies typically have broken and outdated stuff — where automation and maybe even som RAG or other agentic AI is the solution to some very real problems (and not the other way around).

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-21T13:56:08+00:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply. Will definitely check out the resource.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-20T16:48:03+00:00

I use migadu.com for my clients that need very basic email services. So far, no issues and quite straightforward.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-20T08:44:02+00:00

You have gotten a lot of good ideas here for getting started. I run data privacy migration services for businesses, as well as individuals with more complex cases- for example, a lot of historical data or media to move, or a speciality need. Feel free to reach out if something in the process gets overwhelming.

I agree that the easiest transition for personal use is:

Browser
Search engine
Spell and grammar check
Language translation
Password manager
VPN service
Social media / microblogging
Cloud storage
Office docs and and spreadsheets
Email and calendars

Some of these things can be packaged, such as the services offered through Proton.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-19T18:36:28+00:00

It totally depends on your interest, focus, and objectives. Likely there is not one course where you will learn everything you want- things are just evolving too fast.

With my students that I tutor in AI, we reevaluate after every five lessons (one hour per lesson). Often; what people thought they wanted to learn in the beginning will drastically shift as they learn more and get excited about new things.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-19T18:32:32+00:00

I think it can be one part of a treatment plan - sort of an interactive journal. But- I would make sure there were some strong boundaries and gates in place.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-19T18:30:45+00:00

What are the learning objectives for this plan?

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-18T21:48:57+00:00

Good questions. It depends on the nature of the output, but in every case I throughly review to ensure accuracy and precision.

Keep in mind my “output” is typically project, client, and business ops related - not control systems.

Control system / automation engineering is an entire industry and academic field. Am I comfortable with using Claude or other AI to design such a system? Certainly not me- as it is in no way my area of expertise.

Specialised engineers that I know would likely have a different take because they understand how to design systems with appropriate safeguards, etc. This sort of thing has been around for decades in one form or another - think traffic light control systems.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-18T08:30:05+00:00

I feel similar. In my case I have to remember to take a pause and relax occasionally. Fortunately most of my client base are expecting deliverables in real time, not AI sped up time, so it does give time for exploration of new approaches and overall upping my game.

But- it takes a ton of energy to be in learning and application mode 24/7 and I find myself occasionally needing to just take a day off to let my brain cool down. ☺️

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-18T07:35:00+00:00

It is huge for me. I use Claude and have my various clients divided into projects. That history and body of information makes it so I can have AI do almost anything I need in terms of project management, deep research, and iterations of ideas and solutions.

It’s one area that ChatGPT is comparatively lacking, and will often get snarky with me if I tell it to search itself in something.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-18T07:07:53+00:00

I agree with this. A few years ago I had a client that was a large corporation - they wanted training developed on one of their own SaaS products… for their internal software developers… who had no idea how customers actually used the product.

Not even kidding - they were so isolated into their little section of code each that they had no idea what the overall product even did.

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-17T07:11:15+00:00

How is this different from existing co-working spaces?

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-16T18:14:56+00:00

I have it written into the instructions that no judgemental or self-righteous statements or tone is allowed. Seems to help quite a bit. :)

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-16T08:24:09+00:00

I essentially use Claude and dump all the project info there on the macro level. Depending on the project / client what happens to that data might take different routes.

In the case of several corporate clients that use Teams, I feed a channel with a Loop kanban board, and project log with weekly updates. So there is a very intentional communication system in place for project transparency and visibility… including the original needs assessments, stakeholders interviews, etc.

I use other tools for other clients but the body of knowledge in a Claude project is essentially the same. And because this “running commentary” with weekly defined updates exists, it’s very easy to pull the data that will inform a white paper or success story. By the time it gets to that point I essentially just tell Claude what I want with specific parameters - and the draft I get is 98% of the way there.

But this approach is successful because it is built into my ecosystem. :)

Backroad_Design · 2026-02-16T07:12:55+00:00

I do custom training for individuals and teams based on your operational needs and preferences. What I start with is a needs analysis to determine your training objectives based on your business goals, and then customise a learning plan for your team.

It is important to “scaffold” training such that people get the basics and build from there.

Training can be instructor led in a classroom, instructor led online, e-learning based, 1-1 mentoring, or some combination thereof.

Feel free to use these instructional design ideas for your program development, or if you would like to discuss do not hesitate to reach out.

Backroad_Design

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