Highlights
- Design and implementation of a new homepage dashboard.
- Documentation and guidance for self-management
Methodology
Discover and Define
Design and Iterate
Context: What, how and why
The nsw.gov.au site is built using the Drupal Content Management System (CMS). CMS users log-in to the CMS to add, publish, edit and remove content on nsw.gov.au. The current homepage for CMS users offers no functional value, and requires users to navigate using the menu to perform any actions.
I designed and implemented a dashboard based on user feedback that surfaced relevant functionality, enabled quicker access to tasks, visibility of activity and reduce friction.
Problems
The current CMS homepage offers little to no value for users, as it offers no information or functionality. This is a high-traffic page, with users required to log-in every 24hrs, and there is an opportunity to utilise it to provide functional value to users.
1
No relevant information or functionality on the homepage.
2
Confusing navigation menu.
Solutions
To build value for our users, the CMS homepage was re-designed to display the most valuable information and functionality based on user feedback and usability data.
1
Access to quick actions, recent activity and help resources
2
Clarity for navigation menu labels.
Understanding users needs
I conducted generative research with users and stakeholders to better understand needs, pain points, objectives and overall journey experience.
Current state analysis
Understand what is currently being displayed, and a technical feasibility assessment to uncover what's possible.
Contextual Observation and Data Analysis
What actions do user’s most frequently perform? What information do they seek, and expect?
Stakeholder interviews
Gather input from users to understand their needs, desires, and pain points.
Translating findings into opportunities
Findings from generative research were collated and synthesised into actionable insights, ensuring all design decisions are human-centred and based on real quantitative/qualitative user data and scenarios.
Most common tasks identified
Clear patterns emerged of what users require in their daily tasks, and how their experience can be improved.
Issues and problems surfaced
Friction points, confusion and frustration was observed during the contextual observation.
Ideal state and valuable information recognised
Opportunity areas based on users wants and needs was recorded, refined and built.
Current state analysis
Through a heuristic analysis, contextual observation and interviews, the areas of opportunity, friction points, and user needs were identified.
Design and implementation of a new dashboard for users
Insights generated from the discovery research were translated into the solution.
- Andrew B, Senior Content Writer, NSW Department of Customer Service
Next steps
Gathering feedback for future enhancements
An MVP of the Drupal My Dashboard launched successfully, now it’s time to gather feedback from CMS users to inform opportunities for improvement for future iterations of the product.
Research goals
Understand what’s currently well and what can be improved with the Drupal My Dashboard feature
Identify opportunities for improvement to inform future iterations of the product
Methodology
Short online survey conducted with CMS users
Survey built in SurveyMonkey
Survey outline
View the survey draftOther work
Feedback mechanism
CMS Dashboard design
