We initially set out to create our own set of user research principles for sustainable practice. But, while developing them, we came across the work being done by Ned Gartside at DEFRA on its Greener Service Principles. Rather than creating another set of standards, we decided to approach DEFRA to offer our support with the development of its principles.  

 DEFRA’s 10 principles aim to guide the design, development and operation of services that are as environmentally sustainable as possible.   

The principles focus on reducing waste and negative environmental impact. The goal is for the principles to evolve, with testing and refinement guiding future updates to the Service Manual and Service Standard set by the Government Digital Service (GDS). To support this effort, in December and January Ned and DEFRA held a series of workshops alongside government transformation expert Guy Wolfenden, covering a range of disciplines.  

Opencast has contributed to the DEFRA principles by:   

• conducting user research on DEFRA’s Greener Service Principles prototype – to gather insights around how people understand or would use them   

• mapping the as-is and aspirational journey for the principles – to understand where there is still work to be done, pain points and opportunities   

• writing simple recommendations off the back of this mapping exercise – identifying the importance of working on the content of the principles  

• supporting with content design to make the principles easier to understand and action – to offer Opencast UCD expertise as part of our GDSA commitment