In the Digital team at the University of Exeter we strive to be user-led in everything we do to deliver the University’s digital strategy. Our team of User Experience Researchers help us to keep user insight at the core of our work.
Read this blog post to learn about a recent workshop run by Dr Callum Downes, a User Experience Researcher in the Digital team.
Exploring user needs with the Estates team
On Tuesday 5 November 2024, 24 members of the University’s Estates team came together for an engaging and collaborative workshop. Facilitated by the User Experience Research (UXR) team, the session aimed to identify key user groups, their tasks, and the contexts in which they use the Estate Team’s systems. This input will guide the development of user-centric solutions, whether improving current systems or designing a bespoke system tailored to meet the needs of the Estates team.
The purpose of the user experience workshop
We set out to achieve several objectives:
- Identify core user groups,
- Pinpoint their tasks and corresponding needs, and
- Understand their behaviours, goals, and challenges.
Through interactive discussions and group activities, participants shared their unique perspectives, leading to the creation of detailed user stories and personas.
What did we accomplish with the user experience workshop?
The workshop identified nine core user groups, each with distinct tasks and requirements. We condensed the insights into user stories – short, simple descriptions of a feature or requirement from a user’s perspective – and personas, fictional profiles representing the goals and challenges of real users.
By fostering empathy and focusing on user-centric solutions, these tools help ensure that decisions remain firmly user-focused, improving the relevance and usability of any proposed system enhancements.
What’s next?
The Digital Estates team will now use the workshop outputs to draft a robust project brief. If gaps remain in understanding user needs, further research may be conducted. This iterative approach ensures the project is built on a solid foundation, amplifying the potential for a successful outcome.
Why does exploring user needs matter?
By focusing on system users, we’re not just creating technology, we’re building tools that truly support our users. The workshop’s collaborative atmosphere highlighted the shared commitment to improving experiences for everyone involved.
The UXR Team is passionate about turning insights into action and empowering teams across the University to drive change. If you’re embarking on a project and think our expertise could make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to create solutions that truly meet the needs of our users – reach out today!
– Written by Dr Callum Downes, UX Researcher for Digital
Find out more about the work of our User Experience Researchers.
Read our 2030 digital strategy.
Learn more about the products and services we’re delivering.