New “Local Impact Map” Communicates SR Outcomes
April 28, 2009 by Michelle Bernhart
Filed under Case Studies
Looking for a visually appealing and user-friendly way to communicate your organizations’ good works around the world? Microsoft has launched a web-based map that allows users to click on virtually any country (MS has a broad reach, after all) and find out how the company is creating positive impacts for local communities the world over.
And while Microsoft’s financial prowess (not to mention on-site tech geniuses) makes it easy for them to develop the MS “Local Impact Map,” the tool may offer some ideas and inspiration for the rest of us. The biggest plus? An interactive wealth of information about how and where MS addresses its community-based efforts. The glaring minus? No photos to engage viewers with a human presence.
Check it out on your own or read what Microsoft said in their press release.
Happy travels!
May 5th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
I think another glaring minus is the question of how interactive and engaging this tool actually is for interested stakeholders. While one can take a ’snapshot’ of a story to send to friends, there is no area for commenting or engaging in a dialogue about Microsoft’s efforts. In essence, this tool may be little more than a CSR report in a shiny new format… and as we know, the issue with CSR reports is that they often do not ‘hook’ stakeholders, and engage them in a meaningful way. I applaud Microsoft for the creativity and innovation in this online tool, yet I am doubtful about how far the envelope has actually been pushed in this case.