The Client
This collaborative project was a multi-agency partnership aimed at bringing benefits to organisations and communities across Buckinghamshire.
The partners all collect a wealth of data to help them understand where to target resources for the greatest impact. The vision is for Bucks Data Exchange to provide a platform where publicly available data can be shared. Access to this data can avoid unnecessary duplication, support funding applications and enhance provision across the county.
Project Brief
The multiple partners involved in this project wanted a viable solution for presenting data. They were aware that they all held data in a variety of formats, so a comprehensive method for uploading and organising the data was essential.
The website brief was put to tender and we applied. Our success was due to providing a detailed concept of the technical factors that would enable different data to be uploaded, organised and presented. We also committed to involving a user experience designer in the process, automating features and providing training to relevant parties.
Our Solution
The first challenge was to develop a flexible system that would allow different types of data formats to be uploaded; including tables, charts and maps. This was achieved through the development of custom fields and templates for data sets and resources. With these in place, CSV files can be imported or data can be input manually.
We needed to consider how best to organise the data – ease of navigation and access were a priority. Having identified 9 common elements, we had our primary categories and could start on the website design.
As a new initiative, we were tasked with creating the branding. The look, feel, structure and accessibility features had to meet the expectations of all parties. The website also needed to be mobile responsive.
With the website ready to launch, we organised a training session which was attended by members of all participating organisations. We will continue to provide technical support to ensure that everything runs smoothly as the project is rolled out and other organisations are invited to participate.
The Results
The Framework Digital team were delighted to be invited to the official launch of Bucks Data Exchange in September. A public event to share the resource with the wider community is planned for December.
“This platform, built by Aylesbury based agency Framework Digital, is the result of months of hard work and collaboration between the Rothschild Foundation, Buckinghamshire Council, Leap, Heart of Bucks, Buckinghamshire’s Local Enterprise Partnership, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley and the Bucks VCSE Partnership Board.
By making high quality data more accessible, the Data Exchange aims to help Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations identify how to have the biggest impact and make better informed decisions.”
-Heart of Bucks
“I am very excited to see the culmination of many, many months of hard work across all the different partner organisations, manifest itself into this one-of-a-kind website.”
-Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities.
You can visit Bucks Data Exchange by clicking the link below.
https://bucksdataexchange.org/
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