72183 – Microsoft Viva: Resolve topic name similarities (archived)

Product:

Microsoft Viva

Platform:

Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Cancelled

Change type:

Feature update

Links:

Details:

Allows users to select a topic among several when they share similar or matching names (disambiguation). This item is no longer accurate and is being removed from the roadmap. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2021-03-24

updated:
2024-09-11

Public Preview Start Date

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Docu to Check

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MS workload name

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Direct effects for Operations**

User Confusion
Removing the disambiguation feature may lead to confusion among users when selecting topics with similar names, potentially resulting in incorrect topic selection and misinformation.
   - roles: End Users, Content Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2021/02/04/introducing-microsoft-viva-a-new-employee-experience-platform/

Decreased Productivity
Without the ability to easily distinguish between similar topics, users may spend more time searching for the correct topic, leading to decreased productivity and frustration.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/06/30/how-microsoft-viva-is-revolutionizing-the-employee-experience/?sh=5c1c1c1e7b4e

Configutation Options**

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explanation for non-techies**

In the ever-evolving world of technology, changes and updates are a constant. Recently, Microsoft announced a change regarding their Microsoft Viva platform, specifically related to how it handles topics with similar or matching names. This feature, known as disambiguation, allowed users to select the correct topic when multiple topics had similar names. However, this feature is being removed from the roadmap, meaning it will no longer be implemented as planned.

To understand this better, think of it like a librarian helping you find a book. Imagine you go to a library and ask for a book titled "Gardening Basics." The librarian might ask you to clarify which "Gardening Basics" you mean, as there could be several books with that title. The disambiguation feature in Microsoft Viva worked similarly, helping users pick the right topic when names were confusingly similar.

Now, Microsoft has decided to cancel this feature. This is akin to the library deciding not to offer that specific assistance anymore. Instead, users will need to rely on other methods to find the correct information, just as you might have to look more closely at the authors or publication dates of the books yourself.

This change is part of the natural progression of software development, where companies continuously assess and re-evaluate their features based on user feedback and other factors. While it might be inconvenient for some users who were looking forward to this feature, it's important to remember that technology is always moving forward, and new solutions and improvements are always on the horizon.

In summary, Microsoft Viva's planned feature for resolving topic name similarities is no longer going to be implemented. Users will need to find other ways to differentiate between topics with similar names. This change is a part of the ongoing evolution of technology, where features are regularly updated, added, or removed based on various considerations.