ABOUT

Introduction:
I started this project with a team in August 2022 to improve accessibility and findability using an iterative user-centred design approach according to GDS style - and pass GDS live assessment. I worked closely with my project team and with the internal content publishing team.

HMRC uses this site, launched into public beta in late 2020, to publish UK trade data for users including traders and data professionals. Complex bespoke Power BI tools are available to help them build their own overseas or regional custom data tables, with accompanying complex help pages with thick paragraphs and overly formal language.

User insight and metrics led to the launch of a user tested expandable menu, which included a new help hub, a new footer design and a globalised search tool. One menu item had a much lower user need since Brexit, so it moved to tile pod for entry from the homepage. The homepage introduction was also updated after user research. All major updates were signposted with news alerts both ahead of time and on the day of launch,

We also set up documented calls with Microsoft in the US to help tackle the accessibility issues that Power BI presented. This led to the design of steps to help users navigate those impediments, which were incorporated into the relevant help pages.

GDS guidance is to make content accessible for the average UK reading age of 9 years old, I used Hemingway alongside senior stakeholder feedback and sign off to drive down readability scores, including one from Grade 11 (ages 16/17 olds) to Grade 4 (9-10year olds).

The project passed WCAG 2.1 as well as GDS live assessment in March 2023.