Background
Research Data Scotland (RDS) provides researchers with access to public, health and social care data to support research that improves health and social wellbeing in Scotland. However, fragmented processes, paper-based forms and inconsistent ways of working across partner organisations made accessing data slower and more complex than it needed to be.
As RDS evolved, it needed a modern, user-centred digital service that would simplify the researcher journey, improve transparency and support its broader ambition to transform how research data is accessed and managed across Scotland. The organisation also needed a website and service experience that could scale with future demand while bringing together information, guidance and data discovery in one place.
Solution
Nexer partnered with RDS to redesign its digital services through a programme of user research, service design, content design and technology transformation.
Starting with Discovery, we conducted interviews with researchers and stakeholders to understand barriers, needs and opportunities. These insights informed a co-designed approach involving RDS teams, service users and a multidisciplinary Nexer team comprising researchers, service designers, UX designers, content designers, developers and testers.
Together, we designed and built a new website and Researcher Access Service, supported by inclusive usability testing and an iterative agile delivery process. The solution was built on Umbraco CMS, providing a secure, flexible and scalable platform for content management.
A key component was the development of an integrated metadata catalogue, enabling researchers to explore and understand available datasets more easily. We also helped define a future technology roadmap and later supported the selection and integration of a new Appian case management system, creating a more seamless end-to-end service for researchers and RDS teams alike.
Impact
The new RDS website and Researcher Access Service have transformed how researchers access information and request data.
The service is now easier to use, more accessible and built around real user needs. Inclusive usability testing demonstrated that users could find information quickly, understand guidance more easily and complete key tasks successfully, including users with access requirements.
The project also delivered wider organisational benefits. RDS now has:
A flexible, secure and sustainable digital platform built on open technologies.
A consistent and easy-to-maintain metadata catalogue that can be updated without relying on external suppliers.
Improved content, guidance and user journeys to support researchers throughout the data access process.
A clear technology roadmap supporting future service development and innovation.
An integrated case management approach that streamlines request handling and improves operational efficiency.
Together, these improvements have created a stronger foundation for health and social wellbeing research across Scotland by making data access simpler, clearer and more effective.
Nexer’s team are not only highly skilled and dedicated but also very much on our wavelength in terms of delivering high-quality, sustainable public services; I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them.
