Building a User-Centric Data Catalogue
Client: British Columbia Ministry of Finance
Project Goal
To develop and implement a comprehensive Data Catalogue that enhances data accessibility, usability, and transparency for internal stakeholders across various departments within the BC Ministry of Finance, as well as external stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, and the public.
Challenges
BC MFIN currently faces several roadblocks hindering their ability to effectively leverage data for informed decision-making. These challenges include:
Lack of a centralised data inventory, hindering data discovery and utilisation.
Inconsistent metadata practices, leading to data quality concerns.
User frustrations with data accessibility and searchability.
Additionally, for Jumping Elephants: Developing a Data Catalogue required us to pivot from traditional UX approaches and delve into complex metadata and data governance considerations.
Methodology
To achieve our goal, we employed a comprehensive user-centred design approach, which included the following steps:
Discovery Research
We conducted a comprehensive analysis, including:
Background document reviews,
Comparative analysis of existing data catalogues,
Stakeholder interviews, and
Ethnographic interviews with various user groups.
Data Catalogue Workshop
We facilitated a collaborative online workshop to validate research findings, refine personas and journey maps, brainstorm solutions, and co-create prototypes.
Personas & Journey Maps
We developed user personas representing key data users and mapped their journeys to identify pain points and opportunities.
Service Blueprint
We created a visual representation of the data catalogue service, outlining user touchpoints and interactions.
Findings
Our research phase revealed several critical findings about data usage within BC MFIN:
Identified significant navigation and organization challenges across existing data catalogues.
Users across BC MFIN require a data catalogue that simplifies data discovery, promotes data trust, and facilitates data sharing.
Inconsistent metadata practices create confusion and hinder efficient data utilization.
User needs vary depending on their roles (data collectors, analysts, policy makers, etc.).
Improved search functionality, detailed metadata descriptions, and data quality assurance emerged as critical user needs.
Solutions
Based on our research findings, we proposed a set of solutions designed to address the identified challenges and enhance the overall data management landscape within BC MFIN:
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We recommended a design approach that prioritizes user needs and simplifies data exploration.
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We emphasized the importance of establishing consistent and comprehensive metadata standards for accurate data representation.
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We suggested implementing robust search functionalities with relevant filters to refine search results and enhance data discovery.
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We proposed data quality checks and validation processes to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
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We encouraged fostering a collaborative environment to promote data sharing and knowledge exchange across BC MFIN.
Impact
The implementation of the user-centric Data Catalogue resulted in a range of positive outcomes for BC MFIN, including:
Improved data accessibility and discoverability for informed decision-making.
Increased efficiency and productivity in data-driven tasks.
Enhanced data trust and confidence through standardized metadata practices.
Strengthened data governance and management within BC MFIN.
Laid the groundwork for future data sharing and management initiatives and collaboration.