Information architecture for The National Archives website

Tender description

Summary of the work To define the future vision of the information architecture for a reimagined website for The National Archives. To research, prototype, design and test a user-centred content structure and navigation. Expected Contract Length 4 months. Latest start date Tuesday 1 November 2022 Budget Range It is estimated that the work can be delivered within the budget range of £70,000 - £90,000. Why the Work is Being Done The National Archives is looking to redesign our website, including our online catalogue, as part of a complete reimagining of our digital experience. The information architecture will be a key component, providing a framework which will enable us to continue to define our new content model, user journeys and features to be iteratively developed by our in-house teams. Problem to Be Solved We need to turn thousands of web pages, applications, documents and media into a user focused, intuitive and logical system for our diverse range of audiences. As well as serving our existing audiences better, we want to explore new content and approaches to help us reach new audiences. You will analyse existing data, research, and work to date, and engage with stakeholders to understand and document high-level user needs and how they differ for each audience type. You will help organise, design and build the layout, mapping user journeys/flows and user-interfaces including the site’s navigational elements and homepage using a device agnostic approach. You will devise and lead user research using appropriate methods and iterate based on data, evidence and feedback. Using a combination of wireframes, user flows, scenarios, site maps and prototypes you will communicate concepts and designs to the team and wider internal stakeholders. Who Are the Users Our diverse range of users is made up of all ages and abilities and from across the globe. Currently our main user group is based in the UK with an interest in archival research. . User activity/needs include (but are not limited to) searching for records in our collection, booking tickets to our events, planning a visit to The National Archives in Kew, finding teaching resources, browsing the online shop, reading about information management, and listening to historical podcasts. Current projects are focused on providing better support for new and non-users who have an interest in history and the arts. Work Already Done We have completed preliminary work in this area which should be built upon and utilised wherever possible. This includes an as-is sitemap, some primary and secondary audience personas, key user journeys, analysis of our digital estate, and a draft IA proposition including a primary navigation menu. No user testing on this initial IA proposal has been undertaken yet. We have also gone through discovery, alpha and private beta phases with the development of new features which explore how we make our online catalogue more accessible to new users and those with low-archival experience. Existing Team You will work alongside a product manager and delivery manager, as well as our user researcher, interaction designer, front end developer, data analyst and content designer. You will also engage with stakeholders across The National Archives, including other digital teams, marketing, education, events & exhibitions, collection care, information management, archives sector, research and collection expertise and engagement. We expect the supplier to provide the following skills sets: UX designer/information architect, business analyst, and user researcher to work with our existing team. Current Phase Not applicable Skills & Experience • Experience in designing user-centred navigation for complex interfaces, large-scale websites and applications • Solid understanding of user experience, interface design, accessibility, assisted digital and inclusion • Experience of a range of user testing methods, including remote testing, and experience of testing with real users and iterating based on feedback • Understanding of web development processes and GDS service standard principles • Knowledge of content modelling and structured content • Strong visualisation skills with the ability to clearly communicate ideas and concepts. Nice to Haves • Awareness and application of current trends and new technologies in information architecture and design • A working knowledge of WordPress, Wagtail or other enterprise level CMS • Knowledge of GDS Service Assessments and the Technology Code of Practice. Work Location The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU Working Arrangments Hybrid working will be the main arrangement for this project. Some work may be conducted at The National Archives, Bessant Drive, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. Agile (scrum) working arrangement with the ceremonies regularly observed. We have checked the role requirements (to the best of our knowledge) using the assessment tool found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-employment-status-for-tax and the determination for the role(s) as advertised is that the intermediaries legislation does not apply to this engagement (out of scope for IR35). Security Clearance Baseline check (blue) security clearance will be required. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria • Demonstrate understanding of scope of work and description of the outputs to this project that you expect to produce • Demonstrate examples of successful development and delivery of information architecture for large, complex, information-rich websites • Explain how you will collaborate with the specialist team and stakeholders at The National Archives • Demonstrate experience of a range of user testing methodologies and how to choose the appropriate approach • Ability to provide consistent resources with the right skill sets • Demonstrate commitment to web accessibility standards Cultural Fit Criteria • Have an Agile and collaborative working approach, with excellent communication and willingness to adopt and contribute to TNA’s ways of working • Take a user-centric approach • Take ownership and be accountable for their work • Demonstrable commitment to a diverse working environment, with a team comprised from a wide variety of backgrounds • Challenge the status quo whilst maintaining good relationships • Can work with users/stakeholders with low digital/technical expertise Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method • Case study • Work history • Reference • Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 20% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers 1. Would you prefer any other CMS such as Umbraco instead of Wordpress or Wagtail? If no, why do prefer Wordpress or Wagtail? Our current website is built using WordPress but we’ve chosen Wagtail for our new platform, as it meets our future content and development needs. This project will not require hands-on CMS development, but a familiarity with the basic concepts of CMS and headless CMS is desirable, especially Wagtail. 2. Is there an archive of queries users have made on the current National Archives website? For example, are onsite-search expressions retained?If they are, what period of time do they cover, and approximately how many unique expressions do they hold? We have historical Google Analytics reports detailing thousands of unique anonymous onsite search queries dating back 4 years which can be shared with the successful supplier. 3. How much onsite/ remote work do you anticipate? We expect the majority of the work to be conducted remotely (via MS Teams and Slack), with occasional in person workshops or sessions happening onsite at Kew (1 or 2 days per month, as and when required). 4. Can you advise if there will be any revision to the submission date for this opportunity, with the 19th Sept now being a bank holiday due to the Queen’s funeral? Regretfully we are unable to move the submission date. The dates are fixed by the automated system, as set up by Crown Commercial Service, at the point the opportunity is advertised, and we have no power to adjust the deadlines.