Within the Digital Design team we place a real emphasis on user centred design putting people and their needs first, this is where the Design lab plays a part. The lab is a room based in the old courts part of County Hall, it’s away from the office spaces and provides a ‘safe’ environment for people to discuss the issues they face within their business area.
When we talk about ‘user’ we are talking about user’s of the service not owners of the service, so some of the time the room will be used to host members of the public to provide real testing which can benefit the design and build of a service; this makes the location of the room really important and easily accessible without having to walk through County Hall.
What’s in the User Research lab?
The Research lab comes with a TV, wifi, high table, limited seating, a whiteboard and most importantly plenty of wall space. Posting research up on the walls in the form of insights on sticky notes and photos act like a broadcast to the project team and any one else using the room. It’s easy to add to, promotes collaboration and working in the open. It allows you to think out loud. The room is designed to be flexible, the TV, whiteboard, seating and table can all be moved so the room can be set up for the way you want to work.
The room was inspired after reading a blog by GDS (Government Digital Service) around the use of labs to aid design and testing and other council’s are starting to create these types of spaces. The important thing is that we think about how best we can use the space we have, have a look within the space you work, are you using it to its full potential?
Using the Research lab
The Research lab is not your typical meeting room, don’t expect to be sitting around a table and talking in meeting room style, the table is designed to be stood around. The layout is better suited for workshops promoting involvement from all attendees. You can find the usual flip chart paper, pens, sticky notes and even some Lego in the room. The room is available on the Council booking system and is locked when not in use. The key is held with main reception at County Hall.
How have we been using the room?
Since the room opened in June 2018, we have used it for user testing, (both internal staff and members of the public) mapping user journey workshops, show & tells, service reviews, collaboration between teams and external partners and generally ‘scribbling’ ideas and thinking out loud. I would definitely recommend this type of space for design work.
James Symonds – Senior Service Designer
