Human-centered Design

We take a human-centered design approach to building OPS. Users are involved in every step of the process. Design solutions connect directly to user needs, values and experiences discovered through research and co-design activities. We continuously evolve our designs and plan to test and improve them with users. We embrace the mindset that nothing is ever done and there's always room for improvement.

The HCD process

• Frame & plan
• Research
• Synthesize
• Ideate
• Design
• Build
• Test & refine

Types of research

We consider OPRE staff active participants in the design and direction of OPS. Continuous feedback loops and an iterative approach are key. To ensure this new system is designed directly around their needs, we use a combination of generative and evaluative research methods.

Generative Research

Goal: to understand and generate options

help us figure out what they need and generate options or solutions to address those needs

• Also known as discovery or exploratory research
• Focused on understanding current processes or workflows and defining needs
• Forming hypothesis or solutions to test
• Typically has more qualitative outcomes
• A few possible methods: interviews, surveys, card sorting or other design activities

Evaluative Research

Goal: to evaluate options and improve

share some options to determine if we’re on the right track and learn how we can improve

• Also known as tactical research
• Learning how people interact with and respond to different designs or solutions
• Used to validate or test ideas and identify improvements
• Typically has more quantitative outcomes
• A few possible methods: design feedback, usability testing, first-click tests, tree tests, A/B testing

Design System

• USWDS for UI components, guidance and code
• ACF Style Guide for colors, fonts and styling
• Custom UI components for data visualization