Helping the DfT pass the GDS service assessment with flying colours

Helping the DfT pass the GDS service assessment with flying colours
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  • The DfT planning and policy team needed a map-based digital system for housing and transport planners. The system would facilitate sustainable housing by identifying betterconnected locations for new developments.
  • They had created a proof-of-concept system in-house but had limited expertise and resources for GDS-compliant front-end development and user research. They reached out for support to further develop the tool, conduct a Beta assessment, and prepare for launch.
  • 1
    We collaborated with their ambitious in-house team to build on the feedback from the Alpha Government Digital Service (GDS) and ensure an overall “green rating” for the Beta stage of development.
  • 2
    We implemented our tried and tested Dual Track Agile approach, successfully combining user research, discovery and delivery for rapid user-centric development.
  • 3
    User research was conducted on the proof of concept to improve the system’s usability and accessibility while adhering to GDS design standards.
  • 4
    Our technical workstream implemented industry best practices by conducting a full review of the code base and refactoring where necessary.
  • 5
    We set up a Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipeline that would allow code to be automatically deployed to the Development, Test or Production environment at the push of a button.
  • The DfT have a robust and resilient system that passed the Beta GDS service assessment first time.
  • Our user experience research influenced the redesign, with changes made to create an accessible design and help the system better serve users.
  • The in-house team now have invaluable skills and knowledge of GDS best practices.

Their story

The DfT’s planning and policy team designed a map-based proof-of-concept tool to help housing and transport planners create sustainable housing in better-connected locations. The Alpha GDS service assessment identified several areas for improvement. We collaborated with the DfT’s in-house team to redevelop the system so that it would pass its Beta GDS service assessment.
Serving the user

Our User Centred Design team conducted user research. The findings improved usability. We incorporated accessible design to create a system that recognises and responds to the users’ needs.

Improving the prototype

New to the project, we helped the in-house development team step back, learn from the Alpha GDS service assessment feedback, and identify opportunities to improve the user experience with a system that better served users’ needs.

Knowledge transfer

The DfT’s in-house team now has the skills to manage changes to the environment and pipelines independently. They also have significant experience in the GDS service assessment process.