The problem
Observations and insights in user research sessions highlighted that users weren’t reading the content on the start page and were going for ‘the green button’.
User research in August 2024 also highlighted that users were not clear on the principles of the programme, for example the concept of providing open data which is indexed.
The service had also moved at pace from a tool (the check tool) to an end-to-end service and the content on the start page no longer set the context of the service.
Our approach
We explored the design in design time (weekly sessions where we get together as a design team to explore problems and solutions). We agreed that we wanted to include the context of the programme, as well as explaining why the LPA should publish their data and that the service supports them to improve the quality of their data.
We also planned to iterate away from the GOV.UK start page design. We recognised that the service is different to many transactional GOV.UK services in the sense that it is in line with a software as a service (SaaS) product with more of a business to business approach. We therefore opted for a product landing page that felt more in line with the look and feel of the Planning Data page.
Our solution
In September 2024, redesigned the start page to the below. This first iteration with a view of making user led improvements over time.
Next steps
Insights from more recent user research have led us to understand that the landing page is still not as clear as it could be, as users have reported that they wouldn’t think that they could check their data inside the service. We are currently in the process of iterating content and guidance, including this page.
We are also hoping to create a service video which explains the principles of the programme and service. We hope that the video will clearly explain the principles of open data/the service and can meet some of the onboarding needs for non ODP LPAs when the user base for the service scales up.