Iterative research cycles, accessibility inclusion and evidence for GDS alpha assessment

Context

I led user research for a public-sector digital service undergoing formal alpha assessment, supporting the team to prepare evidence against service standards.

The work focused on validating early concepts, testing prototypes, and building a robust evidence base against assessment criteria.

Illustrative prioritisation matrix used following iterative, scenario-based user research (including accessibility participants) to support structured decision-making across alpha and into beta. The matrix helped teams distinguish best bets, low-hanging improvements, longer-term opportunities and lower-priority items. Content abstracted for confidentiality.

My role

I led user research, planned and delivered research activities, synthesised evidence and supported multidisciplinary alignment throughout the assessment period.

Understanding the User Context

To ground the research in real-world context, I developed personas to capture behavioural patterns, responsibilities, and decision-making contexts across user groups.

Approach

• Planned and delivered iterative research cycles
• Conducted remote prototype testing with users, including accessibility participants
• Worked closely with design and engineering to rapidly iterate between research cycles
• Supported prioritisation conversations with stakeholders, balancing quick wins with longer-term changes
• Research sessions were structured around clear goals for each scenario, supporting focused feedback, prioritisation discussions and shared understanding across the team

What we learned

• Early testing highlighted usability and comprehension issues that could be resolved quickly
• More complex changes were identified and sequenced for later MVP iterations
• Iterative cycles improved confidence in design direction and reduced delivery risk

Impact