First steps: new user registration
In the previous post, we introduced the ECF digital service and the Explore phase of the project. We're now working in Alpha to design and test functionalities for the service.
Our first job in Alpha was to define who the users of our digital service would be and then identify a secure way for them to register and log in. The registration process is an essential part of the service as it will allow DfE to collect data for making payments to employers, as well as providing a secure environment for social workers to complete their learning and assessment.
The initial user types we identified were:
- DfE admins – users within DfE who manage the initial account setup of local authorities and other organisations that employ social workers
- Newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) – users who submit assessments and track progress through the ECF using the digital service
- Coordinators – users within local authorities who have administration privileges to add and remove users
- Assessors – users who can assess and provide feedback on work submitted by NQSWs
- Assessor/Coordinators – users who need access to both of the above roles
We also identified the potential need for other users to access the service including team managers, moderators and guests, but these have not yet been tested. We will be exploring these user roles further as part of Alpha.
Once we defined our user roles, we looked at technical solutions for registration and login to the service. We identified GOV.UK One Login as the most likely solution for user registration during the Explore phase and we decided to take this forward into user testing. One Login is currently the standard login method for government services and offers role-based access control and 2-factor authentication for security.
User journeys
We prototyped a number of registration journeys using GOV.UK One Login to test with users, including:
- registering a new coordinator
- registering an NQSW
- adding and removing users and changing user roles
The prototypes we tested can be found here.
Our testing found that most users were already familiar with One Login as they used it when registering with Social Work England. However, some users were confused when they were directed to One Login as they expected to complete the registration process through their local authority and found the link to GOV.UK jarring. To reduce this confusion, we introduced a bridging page into the user journey to explain the registration process more clearly, which is shown below.
We also discovered the risk of a potential mismatch between the email address that users are invited to join the service with and the email address they already use for One Login. We are exploring a code verification process to solve this problem.
After testing our prototypes, we decided that GOV.UK One Login was the best solution for registration for a minimum viable service and that we would move ahead with it as we move into private beta.
Next steps
Our next priority is to prototype and test the assessment section of the digital service, where NQSWs submit work and receive feedback through the digital platform, and a learner record functionality to allow NQSWs to track their progress through the ECF programme.