Case study brief: Developing a multi-trust sexual health service
Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire required a single, unified digital platform to bring together services from multiple organisations. This included Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Their previous digital presence was fragmented, with service information being spread across various sites and formats. The project goal was to create a cohesive, user-centred and accessible website that acts as a gateway to digital services, support, and advice for both citizens and healthcare professionals.
Guiding users through strong taxonomy and APIs made this project stand out
When health concerns arise and feelings of anxiety are heightened, people need instantaneous access to support services. This is why accessibility, clarity, and ease of navigation were prioritised along every step of the design and development process.
Our experts created a simplified user experience through strong stress-reducing taxonomy and dynamic API integration that connects users to vital services quickly and calmly. With the site also being built to meet web standards, it also ensures every visitor can freely access the platform on any device or software they rely upon in daily life.
Accessible web design and development action
- Accessible web design and development of an interim holding page and full website
- Project management and accessibility consultancy
- Insightful user testing sessions
- Accessibility tested to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA
- Upskilling content editor training
User experience research influencing design decisions
To establish a content structure that worked for diverse user groups, our experts undertook a multi-phase UX discovery and research approach.
This began with internal stakeholders participating in an in-person card sorting exercise to help define a logical architecture for the platform. A homepage scoring task was also completed to identify priority features and site elements. Using insights from these sessions enabled us to identify fluent user journeys, which created the platform’s sitemap. These were then plotted out on a series of wireframe designs.
To craft a user-centred platform that empowers stakeholders and service users, we conducted a series of surveys that were focused on:
- Navigation, testing the proposed structure using wireframe designs.
- Visual aesthetics, gaining feedback on the type of imagery used.
All of which gained overwhelmingly positive feedback from both service users and internal teams, leading to a fluent design and development process.
To reflect Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s current brand, our graphic designer took key colours from their logo and integrated these to create enhanced wireframes. One key finding from the user surveys was the overall outcome to use iconography instead of photography across the site. These standout designs were also included in the initial design prototypes, being used to not only give the site a modern visual appearance, but incorporating them on call to action blocks to effectively steer users on a fluent journey. This phase brought the designs to life for internal stakeholders, helping them to envision their new platform’s distinct look and feel. Upon completion of the design phase, a further full design survey was undertaken to gain feedback on the styling of elements, effectiveness of call to actions, navigation, and overall ease of use.
Working with the team of designers really helped create our vision of what we wanted the website to look like and how it functioned. The team were responsive to questions and guided us through the process, which was new for many of us.
Dr Amy Baugh: Consultant in sexual health and HIV
Developing a dynamic site with advanced Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
The website was built in WordPress CMS using Guternberg blocks to enable editors from multiple Trusts to manage content in a standardised, user-friendly environment.
As an interim measure, while the full development was underway, we created a temporary landing page. This contained page listings of clinic locations, opening times, and ways to book a health test; ensuring continuity of service.
Interactive Google Maps simplifying locating clinics
A priority for the Sexual Health Service and a key functional element of the platform is the interactive ‘Find A Clinic’ feature.
Powered by the Google Maps Javascript API, the tool displays clinics nearest to the user’s location. Upon selecting the desired clinic, users are given information on the:
- Address
- Opening hours
- Services offered
- Directions and transport options
Along with all clinic locations also being presented on an overarching web page, with a Javascript MixItUP plugin enabling intuitive filtering options by area. This gives users multiple ways to swiftly and confidently seek services based on their preferred search method.
Accessibility-first build
Every HeX-built website is developed to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA standards. With our web development experts performing manual accessibility and usability testing throughout each iterative phase of the project lifecycle. This ensures all our sites:
- Are responsive and work across various browsers
- Work with assistive technologies and have keyboard accessibility
- Are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust
- Meet Public Sector Legislation
To further enhance the user experience, empowering site visitors to tailor the site to their own individual needs, an accessibility toolbar was also embedded. This enables users to adjust items such as the text size, contrast, and highlight areas such as headings, links and buttons.
Upskilling cross-organisation training
Working with a large team, with site editors being in multiple locations, we delivered live online training sessions to ensure consistent CMS use, accessibility-aligned content creation, and smooth ongoing management.
This gave the teams the confidence to maintain the platform upon project completion and helped to ensure the site remains consistent and compliant with web standards.
We were very satisfied with communication with Hex and the team. The team taught us how to manage content creation and editing to put us in control of design and content.
Dr Amy Baugh: Consultant in sexual health and HIV
Delivering efficient, accessible sexual health services across the county
Sexual Health Services Nottingham and Nottinghamshire now have a unified, accessible, and user-centred digital service that supports both the public and healthcare professionals.
WordPress’ stripped backend makes editing a breeze for internal staff. With multiple Trusts maintaining the platform, the flexible and intuitive blocks have also aided in bringing continuity sitewide.
Rigorous research led the design and development process to achieving a platform with a simplified user experience. Strong taxonomy and interactive features, such as the “Find a Clinic” tool, connects site visitors to vital services efficiently and calmly. Being built to web standards and having advanced accessibility features, has also ensured all users will have a seamless digital experience.
Residents across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire now have prompt and efficient access to sexual health services when they require help the most.
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