Some good, but obvious, pointers around Intranet Design. Highlights the short-term wins of the Perception Layer are worthless without a well thought out and sustainable Engagement Layer.

http://www.intranetjournal.com/articles/200910/ij_10_07_09a.html

Intranet owners must realize that users appreciate substance over flash. While the system might be great to look at, this can wear thin very quickly. Flash will result in an initial spike in system use, but the majority of these are going to be “one-night stands”. If you want long term success, your intranet must have more than a pretty face.