Using MS SharePoint for a Digital Central Learning and Development Hub

The challenge faced by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Goaco was to create a digital central learning and development hub, known as the “Digital Academy” that would effectively meet the needs of digital services colleagues and assist with their specific learning pathways. This included addressing confusion and lack of awareness surrounding the existing system and accommodating to users across all grades of civil servants. To achieve this, Goaco was tasked with leading user research and testing efforts through an agile methodology to ensure that the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and its continuous development met the expectations and needs of the users. This required collaboration between DfT and Goaco to create a platform that would be relevant, informative and user-friendly.

Our user researchers planned rigorous user experience research sessions throughout the discovery process all the way to live. The discovery phase was important as we had to not only understand user needs and current behaviours but also confirm the hypothesis that there was indeed a solid requirement for the digital academy platform. As well as this we had to understand the real high-level problems to solve. As an MVP was built up, we shifted from discovery finding sessions to actively displaying an alpha prototype. The prototype was demonstrated to participants during usability sessions which involved testing and attaining observations on design elements. One of the keys requirements was ensure all types of users would feel comfortable on the platform therefore accessibility was continuously and mutinously tested. Throughout each round of iterations and research testing we relayed feedback and suggestions from participants to the platform design team. This ensured all aspects of the platform were refined and perfected from alpha through to beta (private and public). As the platform went live, we continued to oversee several more rounds of research and iterations and assist in ensuring a process was put in place to ensure that the platform was able to gain constant feedback to insure it was constantly improving and updating as technology and feedback changes.

Compiled a user group of civil servants across all grades to ensure we had a view from all levels of departments. Worked as a team to with agile team, this aided in managing work more efficiently and effectively while delivering the highest quality end result for the Digital Academy platform. Liaise with previous designer of similar platforms within government to understand their experiences.