GovJam 2022

OBJECTIVE:
TO SOLVE A PUBLIC SERVICES PROBLEM BY DOING AND NOT TALKING, USING GUERRILLA RESEARCH AND BUILDING AND TESTING PROTOTYPES – ALL IN 48 HOURS!

PROJECT
DURATION

48 hours

PROJECT
METHODS

Mixed Methods: Guerrilla research on the streets of Newcastle,
User interviews,
User testing,
A survey

SKILLS
USED

Exploring the Problem Space,
Guerrilla Research,
Survey Research,
Ideation,
Prototyping,
Testing,
Presenting,
Agile Teamwork

Project

Project: To discover a public services problem, explore the problem space and ideate, prototype and test solutions to the problem. The problem is related to the topic of ‘The iron cage of bureaucracy – people not being heard’ as set by Global GovJam.

Problem identified: During guerrilla research, we discovered people felt that NHS wait times are something they are willing to accept. However, not being informed enough about their wait times was something they aren’t willing to accept. In particular, users who don’t have access or a desire for mobile-tech feel left out and abandoned after they’re referred for their operation.

Ideation: Once the problem was understood, we used Crazy Eights idea generation to get the ideas flowing quickly. Building on these ideas, we then took part in Yes And to develop the strongest ideas quickly.

Prototyping: Once the strongest idea was dot voted, we developed a paper prototype at pace.

User testing: We tested this prototype with users to get feedback for any improvements to be made. We also ran an online poll to get feedback on the prototype.

Iteration: The prototype was iterated based on user feedback from testing.

Solution: A low-tech single use device was developed that would be given to users identified as having no access or desire for mobile-tech. This would be a simple pager-style device that would inform users of their approximate operation wait time and place in the queue. This would vibrate initially when an update was sent and have a ‘message received’ button for the user to inform the system that they have seen the message. If a message hadn’t been seen in a few days, the buzzer would beep to alert the user they had a message. The message could also be read out to the user by the device, which was activated by a button on the opposite side. This solution is cheap to produce, can be run for a long time on small batteries, and can be handed back once the patient had undergone surgery.

Presentation: We presented our solution to the German team and the organisers of GovJam 2022.

Outcome: A low-tech, simple, reusable and cheap device was designed for users that have no access or desire for mobile-tech to keep them informed of their operation wait time. This helps them feel heard, reduces frustration and combats feeling of abandonment whilst waiting for their NHS operation. The device could also reduce calls coming into the NHS by frustrated users calling for an update on their operation wait time.

“Chris made it his mission to truly understand us and what we wanted to achieve. He ensured that every part of our launch campaign built brand awareness. He really impressed us with his creativity, which has transformed our brand and captured the attention of a whole new audience.”

Olly McClaren, Chief Operating Officer, The Escapologist

“Working with Chris has been an absolute delight. He delivered the Verge Break branding with professionalism, enthusiasm and boldness. He really took the time to immerse himself in the company and fully understand what we stand for. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”

Sue Smallwood, Managing Director, Verge Break

“We loved starting the Brew York Revolution with Chris. He helped us realise our ambitious expansion plan of opening York’s biggest craft beer venue just two years after we opened our brewery. His crowdfunding campaign raised £56k in 21 days with us increasing our target twice. It was amazing to get 41% more than our initial £40k target. He really supported us to take our business to the next level with great creative ideas, which were completely results focused and provided brilliant return on investment.”

Wayne Smith, Managing Director and Co-founder, Brew York