Overview
Bucks Data Exchange wanted to provide a platform where publicly available data could be shared. Access to this data helps agencies avoid unnecessary duplication and support funding applications, which can enhance provision across the county. This multi-agency partnership needed a viable solution for organising, presenting and updating the shared information.
Challenge
Although all parties in this collaboration had a shared vision, they all held data in different formats, so a comprehensive method for uploading and organising the data was essential. In addition, as a new initiative, we were tasked with creating the branding. Any design ideas had to meet the expectations of all parties.The website brief was put to tender and we applied. Our success was based on providing a detailed concept of the technical factors that would enable different data to be uploaded, organised and presented. We also committed to fully compliant accessibility features, involving a user experience designer in the process and providing training to relevant parties.
Solution
We developed a flexible system, custom fields and templates that allow different types of data formats to be imported or manually uploaded including tables, charts and maps. Next, we identified 9 common elements, which formed the primary categories for organising and filtering data. These informed the navigation as we progressed with the development of a mobile responsive website.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 expands and other organisations are invited to participate.
Results
Training and support
responsive design
rebranding
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
