User Research in Government: Developing Further
Deepen your understanding of user research concepts and learn how to confidently apply them in practice.
974 enrolled on this course
Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
4 hoursLanguages
English, Italiano, Español, Français, PortuguêsEnglish, Italiano100% online
How it works
User Research in Government: Developing Further
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Hone your user research skills in a government context
Ready to take your user research skills to the next level? This course is your springboard to becoming a confident and capable user researcher.
Built upon the foundations of an earlier introductory course, this in-depth programme will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the world of user-centred design.
Deepen your understanding of research
We’ll dive into the psychology behind research, explore the nuances of ethical considerations and safeguarding, and address the critical importance of inclusion and accessibility.
You’ll learn how to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI in user research and master the art of crafting compelling communication artefacts. Build upon your prior knowledge or seek to solidify your existing skills, this section will provide you with a rock-solid understanding of key concepts.
Master practical applications in government
Theory is important, but practical application is where the magic happens. Discover how to put your knowledge into practice, from planning and designing research timelines to creating impactful research proposals.
Consolidate your knowledge of user needs, communication artefacts, research psychology, ethics, accessibility and AI, and gain the confidence to design and implement research plans that deliver real results.
Unlock your user research career potential
This course offers a unique insight into the world of user research within a government context. Led by a team of experienced user researchers, drawn from various government departments, this course will provide diverse perspectives and real-world experiences.
You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how user research shapes the products and services used by millions every day, giving you a competitive edge in your career journey.
Syllabus
Week 1
User Research: Tools and Concepts
Introduction to the course
Find out what we will be learning over the next 5 weeks.
Tools and concepts
A short recap of key tools and concepts introduced in our introductory course and a preview of what we will be learning later this week.
User needs, user personas, and user stories
A more detailed exploration of user needs, stories and personas.
Maps
An introduction to about different maps and communication tools.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and user research
An introduction to how AI can be used in user research.
Summary of the week
A summary of what we learned in Week 1 and a review test.
Week 2
Ethics, Risk, and Data Protection
Introduction to week 2
An introduction to what we will be learning in week 2.
Ethics, safeguarding and trauma awareness
Learn about ethical research, safeguarding and trauma awareness.
Reducing risk
Learn about identifying and managing risk in user research.
Summary of the week
A summary of what we learned in Week 2 and a review test.
Week 3
Accessibility, Inclusivity and Equity
Introduction to week 3
An introduction to what we will be learning in week 3.
Inclusion and accessibility
Learn about the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in user research.
Universal barriers
Learn about the 11 universal barriers to access.
User psychology
Learn about different aspects of user psychology in research.
Mid-course checkpoint
A chance to pause and reflect on your learning so far.
Summary of the week
A summary of what we learned in Week 3 and a review test.
Week 4
Collaborating with the Team
Introduction to week 4
An introduction to what we will be learning in week 4.
Product and delivery roles
Learn about different product and delivery roles.
User experience (UX) design roles
Learn about different user experience (UX) design roles.
Data and software roles
Learn about different data and software roles.
Working with other user researchers
Learn about how user researchers work with other user researchers.
Summary of the week
A summary of what we learned in Week 4 and a review test.
Week 5
User Research Across Phases
Introduction to week 5
An introduction to what we will be learning in week 5.
Research proposals and methods
Learn about research proposals and methods.
Research across the agile phases
Learn about how user research is conducted across the agile life cycle.
Collaboration and communication
Learn about the importance of collaboration and communication when working in agile and how user researchers contribute to meetings.
Key skills for government user researchers
Learn more about the key skill areas needed for government user research.
Summary of the week
A summary of what we learned in Week 5 and the whole course, and your final weekly review test.
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Develop previous knowledge of user research and reach an intermediate level
- Develop and deepen understanding of key user research concepts
- Explain the importance of inclusive, equitable and accessible research
- Demonstrate awareness of the practical aspects of user research and collaboration with the team across the agile life cycle
Who is the course for?
This course is designed as a follow-up to our introductory user research course – User Research in Government: Getting Started. It’s aimed at learners who have completed that course and wish to go into more detail or people who already have some knowledge of the field or work as a user researcher already and wish to consolidate their knowledge.
Who will you learn with?
Senior Learning Designer in the Government Digital Service.
Who developed the course?
Government Digital and Data
Government Digital and Data is now live on FutureLearn, in partnership with the Government Digital Service (GDS), part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Together, we’re helping build the right conditions for digital, data and technology transformation across government — working closely with departments and functions such as commercial, project delivery and security.
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| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $109/one-off payment | Free |
| Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Try this course - with limits | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 5 weeks |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Tests to check your learning | tick | tick | cross |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$109/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 5 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
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- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
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Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress
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- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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