GOV.UK
Why we care more about effectiveness than efficiency or satisfaction
We look at how GDS defines usability and why we think effectiveness is more important than efficiency or satisfaction.
John Waterworth
John is Head of user research at the Government Digital Service, and Head of the user research community across government.
He works to improve user research practices across government, and build the growing community of user researchers in departments and agencies.
He also edits this blog.
New user research methods guides in the Service Manual
We’ve published new guides to the most common user research methods. And we’re trying out a new discussion group to help the community contribute to the guidance and keep it up to date with our evolving practice.
Three ways we’ll be supporting the user research community in 2017
An important part of my job is supporting user researchers across government. This year GDS will be introducing: new guidance and resources, a new job family and an improved assurance process.
We’re (still) looking for a Head of User Research
We’re re-opening our search for a Head of User Research at GDS. This is a fantastic opportunity to build the government’s user research capability, and help make government services work well for all the people who need and use them.
We’re looking for a Head of User Research
This is a fantastic opportunity to build the government’s user research capability, and help make government services work well for all the people who need and use them.
Cross-government meetup on Good Discovery
The topic for our cross government meetup in June was Good Discovery. We had a great turn out and 5 fantastic talks.
Sharing and learning at cross-government user research meetups
How can we include all kinds of users in our research, including those who may be harder to reach or reluctant to take part?
Passing the user research points in your service assessment
Last year we ran a short workshop with the user researchers who assess government services against the digital by default service standard.
How to make a research wall when you don't have a wall
I love walls. I love them so much I once gave a talk about them, using a wall. And I know you love them too.
What does this mean? Tips for testing your words.
If I had to guess, I'd say that for government services, 60% of our user research and design effort is about the words we use.