A collaborative workshop to refine Rhondda Cynon Taf’s website vision

At Perago, we apply user-centred design to deliver digital services that are led by the needs, capabilities, and expectations of the people for whom they are designed. Guided by the same user-centred design approach, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council asked us to deliver a complete website review, starting with a workshop designed to refine their website vision. 

Assembling the project team 

This was different from your average website review meeting. We brought together a project team from various council departments with varied skills and perspectives. The energy was electric, fuelled not just by sugar (though there was plenty of that, too!) but by a shared purpose: to ensure the Council’s website vision serves the needs of both residents and the Council. 

Setting the stage for collaboration 

Creating a collaborative spirit was key to delivering a successful workshop. So, we ditched the traditional presentations and stuffy corporate exercises and opted for a more interactive approach. Think colourful stickers, plenty of visual cues, and great vision. The room transformed into a vibrant ideas hub. 

Re-examining the digital vision 

To kickstart the conversation, we used key statements from the Council’s existing digital vision. These statements, scattered strategically around the room, served as springboards for reflection and discussion. Each team member was encouraged to move around the room, physically interacting with these statements. This hands-on approach created a deeper engagement with the core tenets of the Council’s vision, sparking lively debates and prompting everyone to consider the user’s perspective (the borough’s residents). 

From Silos to synergy: breaking down barriers 

One of the biggest strengths of this workshop was the breakdown of departmental silos. By bringing together individuals from various departments, we ensured a well-rounded perspective. The discussions that ensued were rich and insightful, as each team member brought their unique expertise. 

For example, the contact centre team offered valuable insights into the needs of residents seeking telephone support, while the engagement team shed light on the challenges faced by digitally excluded residents. This collaborative approach ensured that the website vision statement wasn’t crafted in isolation but reflected the diverse needs of the Council’s residents. 

Next steps: Validating our Findings 

The best digital strategies are built on a foundation of user research and testing. That’s why the next step in this project is to validate our findings through user testing with residents and the wider Council. By gathering feedback from the people the vision aims to serve, we can ensure it’s on the right track. 

A Collaborative Future 

The workshop with the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council was a fruitful afternoon. By creating a collaborative environment and breaking down departmental barriers, we refined the Council’s website vision to be both user-centric and organisationally sound. We’re excited to see the results of the upcoming user testing phase and are confident that the Council’s digital vision will be a powerful tool for connecting with residents and delivering exceptional services.