Publication - Research and analysis
Statistics.gov.scot improvement project: discovery user research report
The research aimed to understand the current user needs and expectations of the Scottish Government’s site for open access to Scotland’s official statistics: statistics.gov.scot. This programme of user research is one workstream of the discovery project to improve statistics.gov.scot.
Appendix E – User groups and user needs catalogue
| 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 |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| A simple and clear homepage | I can easily find my way around the site without feeling overwhelmed. | Navigation | High |
| Easily navigate the website to find relevant datasets | I can quickly find datasets without feeling overwhelmed. | Navigation | High |
| A search bar in a prominent position on the homepage | I can start looking for data immediately without navigating through multiple menus. | Search | High |
| 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 |
| Simple options for browsing data | I can find relevant datasets quickly without navigating complex menus. | Navigation | High |
| An intuitive, simple process for downloading datasets | I can quickly get the data I need without going through multiple steps. | Data | High |
| Consistent gov.scot look and feel | I can trust this is an official Scottish Government website. | Content | High |
| Familiar, intuitive design patterns and functionality | I need minimal guidance to start using the site. | Content | High |
| An introductory tutorial when I first visit the site | I can quickly understand the basic functions and navigation. | Help | Medium |
| Easy access to support and help resources | I can quickly find guidance if I encounter any issues. | Help | High |
| A glossary of terms accessible from every page | I can easily understand technical jargon and unfamiliar terms. | Help | Low |
| Plain language explanations of statistical terms | I can understand the data without needing specialised knowledge. | Help | Medium |
| Step-by-step instructions for common tasks | I can perform actions like searching for data and downloading datasets without confusion. | Help | High |
| Visual aids such as maps, diagrams and videos | I can understand processes better through visual, contextual learning. | Content | Low |
| Quick access to recent and frequently used datasets | I can understand what's new and what other users are finding useful. | Navigation | Medium |
| See status indicators when a page, dataset or preview is loading | I know that the site is working | Navigation | Low |
| A way to provide feedback on my experience | My suggestions can help improve the site for other new users. | Help | Low |
| Access to a user-friendly FAQ section | I can find answers to common questions without contacting support. | Help | Low |
| 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 |
| Clear contact options for support | I can quickly get help if I encounter any issues or have questions. | Help | Medium |
| Tooltips that explain features as I use them | I can get immediate help and understanding while navigating the site. | Help | Low |
| The site to be accessible on mobile devices | I can access the site like I would any other. | Content | High |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to data that is socially relevant and up-to-date | I can check the facts and figures behind the headlines. | Data | High |
| Case studies or examples of data use | I can see how others have benefited from using the data. | Content | Low |
| An efficient search function with advanced features and filters | I can narrow down my search to find the most relevant datasets. | Search | High |
| Access to comprehensive help and guidance | I can fully understand how to utilise the available data. | Help | High |
| The ability to download datasets in various formats | I can use the data in different applications and software. | Data | High |
| Up-to-date and regularly refreshed data | I can rely on the data for current projects and research. | Data | High |
| A mechanism to request specific data | I can get access to data that is currently not available but I see as important. | Data | Low |
| Easy access to contact information for data owners | I can ask questions and get clarifications when needed. | Data | High |
| Notifications about new datasets or updates | I can stay informed about new data that could be useful for my purposes. | Data | Medium |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to large and comprehensive datasets | I can perform detailed analyses and make informed business decisions. | Data | High |
| Reliable and up-to-date data | My business decisions are based on the most current information. | Data | High |
| Advanced search capabilities | I can quickly find specific data relevant to my industry. | Search | High |
| Data available in multiple formats | I can integrate it into my business intelligence systems. | Data | High |
| Detailed metadata and data documentation | I can understand the context and limitations of the data. | Data | High |
| Tools to preview the data on the site | I can check the dataset is useful to me before downloading it. | Data | Medium |
| To be able to automate data retrieval | I can regularly update my analyses with the latest data. | Data | Medium |
| Clear licensing information for data use | I can ensure my use of the data complies with legal requirements. | Content | Medium |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise while using the data. | Help | High |
| Access to historical data | I can analyse trends and make long-term strategic decisions. | Data | High |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick access to raw and granular data | I can perform detailed and custom analyses for my research. | Data | High |
| Comprehensive and detailed metadata | I can understand the methodology and context of the data. | Data | High |
| Advanced search and filtering options | I can efficiently find specific datasets relevant to my work. | Search | High |
| A well-structured, modern, maintained API to access the data | I can automate data retrieval and integration into my analysis workflows. | Data | High |
| Tools to preview the data on the site | I can check the dataset is useful to me before downloading it. | Data | Medium |
| Version control for datasets | I can track changes and updates to the data over time. | Data | Medium |
| Access to data in various formats (CSV, JSON, XML) | I can use the data with different analysis tools and software. | Data | High |
| 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 |
| Robust documentation and user guides | I can fully understand how to use the site and the data it provides. | Help | High |
| Comprehensive API documentation, examples, and support | I can fully understand how to programmatically access the data. | Help | High |
| The ability to provide feedback on data quality | I can help improve the accuracy and reliability of the data. | Content | Medium |
| Responsive support from data owners | I can get help with complex questions or issues related to the data. | Data | Medium |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to policy-relevant datasets | I can make informed decisions relating to public services and policies. | Data | Medium |
| Advanced search and filtering options | I can quickly find data relevant to specific policy questions. | Search | High |
| Access to up-to-date and accurate data | My policy decisions are based on the most current information. | Data | High |
| A release calendar | I can better contextualise my analyses and plan ahead. | Data | Medium |
| Visual aids like charts and maps | I can easily present data to stakeholders and decision-makers. | Content | Low |
| Clear explanations of data sources and methodologies | I can understand the reliability and limitations of the data. | Content | Medium |
| Access to data at various geographic levels | I can assess regional and local impacts of policies. | Data | High |
| Access to historical data | I can analyse long-term trends and outcomes of past policies. | Data | High |
| Collaborative tools to share datasets with colleagues | We can work together more effectively on policy development and evaluation. | Content | Low |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| A clear and efficient process for submitting data | I can easily upload and update datasets without unnecessary delays. | Publishing | High |
| An intuitive interface for uploading and updating datasets | I can complete these tasks efficiently without needing external help. | Publishing | High |
| Detailed guidelines on data formatting and standards | I can ensure my data meets the site’s requirements. | Publishing | High |
| A detailed guide on the dataset submission process | I can confidently upload my data without errors. | Help | High |
| Tools to validate data before submission | I can catch and correct errors before the data goes live. | Publishing | High |
| The ability to manage multiple datasets | I can efficiently handle my organisation’s data publishing needs. | Publishing | Medium |
| Version control for my datasets | I can track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary. | Publishing | High |
| Real-time feedback on data uploads | I can immediately correct any issues and ensure successful submissions. | Publishing | Low |
| Access to historical submissions | I can reference past datasets and maintain consistency. | Publishing | High |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise during the submission process. | Help | High |
| To easily collaborate with my team during the submission process | We can work together efficiently and ensure the quality of our data. | Publishing | Low |
| To manage permissions and access within my team | I can control who can edit and publish datasets. | Publishing | Low |
| The ability to schedule data uploads | I can manage my workload and ensure data is published at the right time. | Publishing | Medium |
| To track the usage and downloads of my datasets | I can understand how my data is being used and its impact. | Publishing | Medium |
| Access to feedback from users | I can improve the quality and relevance of the data I publish. | Content | Medium |
| A reliable system with minimal downtime | I can maintain my publishing schedule without disruptions. | Publishing | High |
| I need/want/expect to | So that | Topic | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Reminders and notifications about upcoming submission deadlines | I can ensure timely publication of my data. | Content | Medium |
| Responsive technical support | I can quickly resolve any issues that arise during the submission process. | Help | High |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear, purposeful homepage | Users need a simple and clear homepage to understand the purpose of the site without feeling overwhelmed by information. | Design and implement a homepage that balances simplicity with functionality, ensuring essential features are prominently displayed without clutter. | High |
| Simplified website navigation | Users need to easily navigate the website to find relevant datasets quickly without feeling overwhelmed. | Develop an intuitive navigation structure/information architecture that categorises data logically and provides clear pathways to different sections of the site. | High |
| Simple browsing options | Users need simple options for browsing data to find relevant datasets quickly without needing to know the exact dataset names, owners, or locations. | Create user-friendly browsing tools, such as category/topic/theme filters/tags, and visual data representations (e.g. maps), to place data in context and help users explore datasets intuitively. | Medium |
| Consistent design | Users expect consistent design and familiar patterns throughout a website. | The site must be customisable to follow the gov.scot design system, and easy to update as required. | High |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear, up-to-date, step-by-step instructions | All users expect to use a site without help for the most part; where help is required it should be as well-structured and intuitive as the site itself. | Any help pages or sub-site must be easy to update and offer opportunities for feedback from users. | High |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prominent search | Users need a search bar in a prominent position on the homepage to start looking for data immediately. | Allow keywords, partial inputs and incorrect spellings, provide auto-suggestions as the user types. | High |
| Efficient search | Users need an efficient search function with auto-suggestions, filters, and advanced features to find the data they need, even if they are unsure of the exact dataset titles. | Develop or integrate an efficient search system and search results page that provides relevant related suggestions and offers useful filters and sorting. | Medium |
| Findable data | Datasets need to be easily findable by users. | Develop and/or adopt clear indexing and tagging standards for datasets. | High |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easily downloadable data | Datasets should have a prominent download button, with the ability to download data in various formats (CSV, JSON, XML) | Allow data to be downloaded in a variety of formats. | High |
| User-friendly data presentation | Users need data to be presented with clear and understandable supporting information, to assess its suitability for their purposes. | Present clear summary information and allow datasets to be previewed. | High |
| Accessibility for diverse user groups | The website needs to be accessible to all users, including those using assistive tech, to ensure equitable access to statistical data. | Test the site against accessibility standards and guidelines, such as WCAG 2.2, to make the website usable for as many people as possible. | High |
| Responsive design for mobile users | Users need to access the website from various devices, including smartphones and tablets, without compromising on usability. | Ensure the website is responsive to different screen sizes and devices. | High |
| Ability to subdivide/ partition large datasets | Users need to be able to divide large datasets into sub-sections for download, so that they can open these using consumer software and hardware. | Develop/integrate an intuitive data partitioning process. | Low |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Streamlining data upload and update processes | Data publishers need an efficient and user-friendly process for uploading and updating datasets on the website to ensure the latest data is always available. | Develop/integrate a robust backend/logged in system with an intuitive interface for data publishers, supporting bulk uploads, automated validation, and scheduled updates. | Medium |
| Ensuring data accuracy and consistency | Data publishers need to validate datasets before publication to maintain standards. | Implement validation tools that automatically check datasets for errors and inconsistencies. | High |
| Metadata management | Data publishers need a standardised way to manage metadata for each dataset to maintain standards. | Develop/integrate a metadata management system that allows easy editing and updating of metadata, while enforcing standard metadata schemas. | High |
| Automated data publication workflows | Data publishers need simple workflows for publishing data, including automation where possible, to minimise manual intervention and reduce the risk of errors. | Develop automated workflows that handle data ingestion, validation, transformation, and publication, with options for manual review and approval when necessary (e.g. RAP). | High |
| Version control for datasets | Data publishers need version control/change logs to track changes and updates to datasets over time, ensuring transparency and accountability. | Implement a version control system that logs changes and allows rollbacks to previous versions. | Medium |
| Secure data handling and privacy compliance | Data publishers need to handle data securely and ensure compliance with privacy regulations e.g. preventing re-identification. | Establish security protocols/agreements for data handling, including access controls. | Low |
| Collaboration and approval workflows | Data publishers need collaborative tools and approval workflows to coordinate with team members during data publication. | Develop/integrate collaboration features, such as a shared admin portal, comments, and task assignments, along with approval workflows that track and document the review process. | Low |
| Managing data licensing and permissions | Data publishers need to manage data licensing and permissions to ensure proper use and distribution of datasets. | Develop/integrate a licensing and permissions management system that clearly defines usage rights and restrictions for each dataset, allowing publishers to set and enforce these conditions. | Low |
| User need | Problem statement | Technical challenge | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developing a usable API for data access | Experienced users need a well-structured, modern API to programmatically access data. | Develop/integrate an API that provides endpoints for accessing different datasets, including detailed documentation and examples. | High |
| Reliable, scalable, well-maintained API | Experienced users need the API to handle large volumes of data requests without latency or downtime. | Optimise the API for high performance by using efficient data querying, caching, and scalable infrastructure that can handle peak loads. | High |
| API support and documenta-tion | Experienced users need thorough and accurate API documentation and support to make good use of programmatic access to data. | Develop and maintain detailed API guidance and documentation; ensure sufficient resource for support and maintenance. | High |
Contact
Email: auren.clarke@gov.scot
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