Merging Worlds: How to Nail Public Sector Communications Bids by Adding UX Design and Research

Hello Everyone,

Digital transformation is touching every aspect of our lives, and the public sector is no exception. But when you’re putting together a bid for a communications campaign, how often do you think about the User Experience (UX)? In this article, we’re diving into why UX matters and offering some practical tips on how to weave it into your bids.

Why Bother with UX?

If you think UX is just about nice buttons on a sleek interface, think again. A solid UX can turn a tedious task like renewing a permit into a smooth, even pleasant, experience. For public sector organisations, delivering such experiences is key for building trust and ensuring the public is engaged and well-informed.

Case Studies in Getting it Right

1. Government Digital Service (GDS), United Kingdom: These folks turned UK’s public service websites from labyrinths into user-friendly platforms. They relied on in-depth UX research to make the sites more accessible and efficient.

2. European Commission: Their “Digital Strategy 2020-2024” places a strong emphasis on user-centricity. One of the standout projects is the revamp of the Europa website, aiming for an intuitive navigation system informed by extensive UX research. It serves as a prime example that understanding your audience is vital, even at the level of pan-European governance.

Tips for Nailing Your Bid

Start Early

Kick off your UX research when you’re just beginning to put together your bid. Understand your audience’s needs and behaviours so you can address them in your proposal. It’ll make your bid stand out.

Team Up

You’ll want UX designers and researchers at the table when you’re preparing your bid. Their input can change how the solution is presented, making it more appealing to those who will review your proposal.

Use Metrics that Matter

Add metrics that align with UX goals. Something like “user satisfaction rate” can offer a more complete picture of how effective your proposed solution could be.

Budget Smartly

Be upfront about the costs of integrating UX into your strategy. It not only shows you’ve thought the whole thing through but also highlights the essential role UX plays in your plan.

Wrapping Up

Look, public sector communication isn’t just about getting the message out. It’s about making sure the message is received, understood, and acted upon. Including UX design and research in your bids can be your ace in the hole, making your proposal more competitive and, if you win, ensuring the campaign is more effective.

As your roles in campaign management evolves, this approach might be right up your alley.

“Why not consider infusing some UX elements into your next public sector bid? You’d be raising the bar for what these campaigns can achieve.”