Throughout private beta, we've used research and testing to shape Find user insights (FUI).
We're now focusing on the next stage of the service: expanding research coverage, improving access to source documents and increasing reuse of insights.
These priorities will continue to develop as we learn more and gather feedback from users.
Our priorities as we scale
Two foundations need to improve for the service to work well across the department.
Uploading more research from more portfolios
During private beta, we tested the service using a small set of documents from 4 portfolios.
To make FUI more useful, we need research from a wider set of portfolios so the service reflects the full breadth of evidence across DfE.
This will also help users feel more confident that they are seeing a complete view of existing research.
Improving access to source documents
Users told us that the service is useful, but they cannot always access the original documents behind the answers.
At the moment, users click to view a source document and reach a SharePoint “request access” screen. Access can take days or weeks, and in some cases is never granted.
This creates a barrier between users and the research documents behind the insights.
Access to source documents helps users check information, understand context and build trust in the service.
Improving access to source documents is therefore essential for the service to work effectively at scale.
Increasing reuse of insights
The aim of the service is not only to surface research, but to help people use it again.
The value comes when teams reuse existing insights to inform decisions instead of commissioning new research.
As the service develops, we will explore:
- how the service can better support reuse
- what effect reuse has on work across DfE
- how we can measure and track reuse over time
This work will shape how we define success for the service.
Improvements to usability, accessibility, and trust
Alongside these priorities, we will continue to make improvements to usability, accessibility and quality.
These include:
- coverage transparency – showing which portfolios are included and how many documents each contributes, so users understand what is and is not covered
- accessibility improvements – aligning with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, including use of rem units for text sizing and a session time-out extension
- feedback mechanisms – allowing users to report problems when something is wrong
- AI-generated summary improvements – improving clarity, consistency of tone and accuracy
We'll update this list as more portfolios join and more people use the service.
Looking ahead
We’re continuing to develop the service based on what we learn.
As more portfolios contribute research and more colleagues use the service, we'll continue refining FUI. Each new contribution will improve coverage, refine the experience and support better evidence-based decision making across DfE.
We'll continue sharing what we learn and the changes we make as the service develops.