Publication - Research and analysis
Statistics.gov.scot improvement project: alpha user research report
Research to improve Scottish Government’s site for open access to Scotland’s official statistics: statistics.gov.scot by assessing current and potential users through testing redesigned portal prototypes and publishing platforms. This user research is part of the alpha project to enhance the service
Appendix C (updated user needs catalogue)
User groups
| User group | Description | Examples | Frequency of use | Technical ability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General citizen | Occasionally interested in what’s behind the headlines that affect them. | non-specialist, general public | Low | Low |
| Inquiring citizen | Maintains a keen interest in specific issues. | charity, think-tank, third sector | Medium | Low-Medium |
| Commercial user | Interested in specific datasets that are useful for achieving business objectives. | private sector, e.g. energy company, bank | Medium-High | Low-Medium |
| Technical/expert user | Working with and talking about data are part of their daily lives. | statisticians, economists, academics, data journalists | High | High |
| Public sector/policy influencer | Researching specific issues and using statistics as evidence to inform others. | councils, health boards, government policy-maker | Medium-High | Medium |
| Data publisher (regular and infrequent) | Collating and providing data to be published on the site. | local authority, government, statisticians responsible for providing data | Low-High | Medium-High |
This represents only a small update to the Discovery user needs catalogue, as a review of this suggests the existing needs remain valid.
Additions are highlighted with the word – NEW
User needs catalogue for General Citizen users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A simple and clear homepage | I can easily find my way around the site without feeling overwhelmed. | Navigation | High | Find and Discover |
| Easily navigate the website to find relevant datasets | I can quickly find datasets without feeling overwhelmed. | Navigation | High | Find and Discover |
| A search bar in a prominent position on the homepage | I can start looking for data immediately without navigating through multiple menus. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| An efficient search function with auto-suggestions | I can find the data I need even if I’m unsure of the exact search terms. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| Simple options for browsing data | I can find relevant datasets quickly without navigating complex menus. | Navigation | High | Find and Discover |
| An intuitive, simple process for downloading datasets | I can quickly get the data I need without going through multiple steps. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Consistent gov.scot look and feel | I can trust this is an official Scottish Government website. | Content | High | Other (non-functional) |
| Familiar, intuitive design patterns and functionality | I need minimal guidance to start using the site. | Content | High | Other (non-functional) |
| Guidance on how to use the site | I can quickly understand the basic functions and navigation. | Help | Medium | Support and Feedback |
| Easy access to support and help resources | I can quickly find guidance if I encounter any issues. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| A glossary of terms accessible from every page | I can easily understand technical jargon and unfamiliar terms. | Help | Low | Support and Feedback |
| Plain language explanations of statistical terms | I can understand the data without needing specialised knowledge. | Help | Medium | Understand |
| Step-by-step instructions for common tasks | I can perform actions like searching for data and downloading datasets without confusion. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| Visual aids such as diagrams and videos | I can understand processes better through visual, contextual learning. | Content | Low | Understand |
| Quick access to recent and frequently used datasets | I can understand what's new and what other users are finding useful. | Navigation | Medium | Find and Discover |
| See status indicators when a page, dataset or preview is loading | I know that the site is working | Navigation | Low | Support and Feedback |
| A way to provide feedback on my experience | My suggestions can help improve the site for other new users. | Help | Low | Support and Feedback |
| Access to a user-friendly FAQ section | I can find answers to common questions without contacting support. | Help | Low | Support and Feedback |
| Clear notifications about site updates or changes | I am aware of new features or modifications that might affect my use of the site. | Help | Low | Understand |
| Clear contact options for support | I can quickly get help if I encounter any issues or have questions. | Help | Medium | Support and Feedback |
| Tooltips (or equivalent) that explain features as I use them | I can get immediate help and understanding while navigating the site. | Help | Low | Support and Feedback |
| The site to be accessible on mobile devices | I can access the site like I would any other. | Content | High | Other (non-functional) |
| Links to related datasets - NEW | I can better understand context | Content | Low | Find and Discover |
| Key indicators/statistics about my local area - NEW | I can find out more about my local area | Content | Medium | Visualise |
User needs catalogue for Inquiring Citizen users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to data that is socially relevant and up-to-date | I can check the facts and figures behind the headlines. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Case studies or examples of data use | I can see how others have benefited from using the data. | Content | Low | Understand |
| An efficient search function with advanced features and filters | I can narrow down my search to find the most relevant datasets. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| Access to comprehensive help and guidance | I can fully understand how to utilise the available data. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| The ability to download datasets in various formats | I can use the data in different applications and software. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Up-to-date and regularly refreshed data | I can rely on the data for current projects and research. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| A mechanism to request specific data | I can get access to data that is currently not available but I see as important. | Data | Low | Support and Feedback |
| Easy access to contact information for data owners | I can ask questions and get clarifications when needed. | Data | High | Support and Feedback |
| Notifications about new datasets or updates | I can stay informed about new data that could be useful for my purposes. | Data | Medium | Find and Discover |
| Clear licensing information - NEW | I know whether or not I can reuse the data with confidence | Content | Medium | Understand |
User needs catalogue for Commercial users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to large and comprehensive datasets | I can perform detailed analyses and make informed business decisions. | Data | High | Find and Discover |
| Reliable and up-to-date data | My business decisions are based on the most current information. | Data | High | Understand |
| Advanced search capabilities | I can quickly find specific data relevant to my industry. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| Data available in multiple formats | I can integrate it into my business intelligence systems. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Detailed metadata and data documentation | I can understand the context and limitations of the data. | Data | High | Understand |
| Tools to preview the data on the site | I can check the dataset is useful to me before downloading it. | Data | Medium | Visualise |
| To be able to automate data retrieval | I can regularly update my analyses with the latest data. | Data | Medium | Access and Download |
| Clear licensing information for data use | I can ensure my use of the data complies with legal requirements. | Content | Medium | Understand |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise while using the data. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| Access to historical data | I can analyse trends and make long-term strategic decisions. | Data | High | Access and Download |
User needs catalogue for Technical/Expert users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick access to raw and granular data | I can perform detailed and custom analyses for my research. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Comprehensive and detailed metadata | I can understand the methodology and context of the data. | Data | High | Understand |
| Advanced search and filtering options | I can efficiently find specific datasets relevant to my work. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| A well-structured, modern, maintained API to access the data | I can automate data retrieval and integration into my analysis workflows. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Tools to preview the data on the site | I can check the dataset is useful to me before downloading it. | Data | Medium | Visualise |
| Version control for datasets | I can track changes and updates to the data over time. | Data | Medium | Understand |
| Access to data in various formats (CSV, JSON, XML) | I can use the data with different analysis tools and software. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Partition datasets before downloading to create smaller, relevant files | I can download and work with the parts of the data I need without specialist software and hardware. | Data | Medium | Access and Download |
| Robust documentation and user guides | I can fully understand how to use the site and the data it provides. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| Comprehensive API documentation, examples, and support | I can fully understand how to programmatically access the data. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| The ability to provide feedback on data quality | I can help improve the accuracy and reliability of the data. | Content | Medium | Support and Feedback |
| Responsive support from data owners | I can get help with complex questions or issues related to the data. | Data | Medium | Support and Feedback |
User needs catalogue for Public sector/Policy influencer users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access to policy-relevant datasets | I can make informed decisions relating to public services and policies. | Data | Medium | Find and Discover |
| Advanced search and filtering options | I can quickly find data relevant to specific policy questions. | Search | High | Find and Discover |
| Access to up-to-date and accurate data | My policy decisions are based on the most current information. | Data | High | Understand |
| A release calendar | I can better contextualise my analyses and plan ahead. | Data | Medium | Understand |
| Visual aids like charts and maps | I can easily present data to stakeholders and decision-makers. | Content | Low | Visualise |
| Clear explanations of data sources and methodologies | I can understand the reliability and limitations of the data. | Content | Medium | Understand |
| Access to data at various geographic levels | I can assess regional and local impacts of policies. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Access to historical data | I can analyse long-term trends and outcomes of past policies. | Data | High | Access and Download |
| Collaborative tools to share datasets with colleagues | We can work together more effectively on policy development and evaluation. | Content | Low | Access and Download |
| Links to related datasets -NEW | I can understand the dataset in context | Content | Low | Understand |
User needs catalogue for Data publisher (regular) users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A clear and efficient process for submitting data | I can easily upload and update datasets without unnecessary delays. | Publishing | High | Run Publishing Task |
| An intuitive interface for uploading and updating datasets | I can complete these tasks efficiently without needing external help. | Publishing | High | Create Publishing Task |
| Detailed guidelines on data formatting and standards | I can ensure my data meets the site’s requirements. | Publishing | High | Create Publishing Task |
| A detailed guide on the dataset submission process | I can confidently upload my data without errors. | Help | High | Create Publishing Task |
| Tools to validate data before submission | I can catch and correct errors before the data goes live. | Publishing | High | Manage Publishing Task |
| The ability to manage multiple datasets | I can efficiently handle my organisation’s data publishing needs. | Publishing | Medium | Manage Publishing Task |
| Version control for my datasets | I can track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary. | Publishing | High | Manage Publishing Task |
| Real-time feedback on data uploads, e.g. automated QA | I can immediately correct any issues and ensure successful submissions. | Publishing | Low | Manage Publishing Task |
| Access to historical submissions | I can reference past datasets and maintain consistency. | Publishing | High | Manage Publishing Task |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise during the submission process. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| To easily collaborate with my team during the submission process | We can work together efficiently and ensure the quality of our data. | Publishing | Low | Run Publishing Task |
| To manage permissions and access within my team | I can control who can edit and publish datasets. | Publishing | Low | Manage Publishing Task |
| The ability to schedule data uploads | I can manage my workload and ensure data is published at the right time. | Publishing | Medium | Run Publishing Task |
| To track the usage and downloads of my datasets | I can understand how my data is being used and its impact. | Publishing | Medium | Manage Publishing Task |
| Access to feedback from users | I can improve the quality and relevance of the data I publish. | Content | Medium | Support and Feedback |
| A reliable system with minimal downtime | I can maintain my publishing schedule without disruptions. | Publishing | High | Other (non-functional) |
User needs catalogue for Data publisher (infrequent) users
| I need/want/expect | So that | Topic | Priority | High-level user need |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A quick refresher guide available on login | I can quickly get up to speed on how to use the site after periods of inactivity. | Help | High | Create Publishing Task |
| Reminders and notifications about upcoming submission deadlines | I can ensure timely publication of my data. | Content | Medium | Manage Publishing Tasks |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise during the submission process. | Help | High | Support and Feedback |
| Plain language labelling on the publishing platform - NEW | I understand what each step means and can complete the process unaided | Content | High | Support and Feedback |
| A preview of how the dataset page will look - NEW | I can publish confidently and fix issues early | Publishing | Medium | Run Publishing Task |
| Clearly marked required fields and inline help - NEW | I can complete publication without guesswork | Publishing | High | Run Publishing Task |
Contact
Email: auren.clarke@gov.scot