Please note:
Due to the sensitive nature of information and NDA clauses, client identities have been anonymised in my case studies.
Case Study shortened on mobile
Redesigning an eLearning Platform for Public Servants
About the project
This 3-month redesign aimed to convert an outdated government website into a fully functional eLearning platform for public servants. The project required working within rigid constraints: outdated content, limited creative flexibility, and delayed timelines.
The National School of Government needed a redesign of its online learning platform for public servants. The current site was cluttered, outdated, and hard to navigate. The goal was to simplify and modernise the experience while staying aligned with government content standards and limited creative flexibility. The project was scoped for 3 months but was already delayed by the time I joined.
My role
Product Designer — UX Strategy, UI Design
As a Product Designer, I was responsible for defining the UX direction, redesigning the platform’s IA, crafting wireframes, and producing clean, user-friendly UI despite the bureaucratic limitations. I led research efforts and worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the product could meet both functional and visual expectations.
Process Overview
This redesign was a balance of simplicity, accessibility, and content clarity. The process was designed to move quickly but still build confidence in the solution.
Discovery
Rapid Discovery Phase:
Conducted a content audit and stakeholder interviews to define business goals, user needs, and technical limitations.
Since timelines were tight and much of the content was locked in, I conducted a rapid discovery session focused on goals, user needs, and known pain points. I also benchmarked against other government and educational platforms.
Business goals
To provide users with an easy and intuitive way to access and explore the NSG platform.
User goals
Simple and intuitive signup process to try out the BetterTravel and test out the features available on the platform to ascertain if its fit for purpose.
IA Design
Content Analysis & IA Redesign
Proposed a new structural Information Architecture to simplify navigation and content discovery.
I audited the current platform to understand how content was organised and where users were getting lost. Based on that, I developed a cleaner and more intuitive IA focused on common tasks — course discovery, registration, and navigation by role or learning goal.
Current Website content analysis
Proposed IA
Wireframes & Patterns
Wireframing with Mid-Fidelity Prototypes:
Developed mid-fidelity wireframes with reusable design patterns, focusing on accessibility and clarity.
Given the urgency, I skipped low-fidelity and jumped into mid-fidelity wireframes. These focused on interaction design and content hierarchy. I defined design patterns, navigation structure, and basic UI elements with accessibility in mind.
Design Exploration
Design System Definition (Out of Scope but Needed):
Created a clean, minimal UI system for the MVP—despite the design system being out of scope.
Although not originally in scope, I began establishing a design system to create consistency across pages. I standardised buttons, layouts, and form elements to improve user experience across the platform.
Outcome
Although the project was ultimately discontinued due to political and logistical constraints, the process delivered a usable platform prototype and clear documentation for future execution.
Unfortunately, the project was pulled just as we finalised the MVP wireframes. Due to internal politics and shifting leadership priorities, the eLearning platform was shelved. However, the work completed became a framework for future development.
Key Takeaways
Government work requires proactive stakeholder management and early buy-in.
Even unlaunched projects can deliver value through insight, documentation, and reusable frameworks.
- Government design requires persistence and people skills. Building stakeholder trust is just as important as good UX.
- Design systems provide lasting value. Even when the project didn’t ship, the component-based approach was reusable.
- Progress can still be progress. Not all work goes live, but strategic thinking and strong documentation can serve future initiatives.