We’re back after a break for democracy (even hockey games pause for their sponsors) and busier than ever before. Though some of our design research activities were curtailed due to election protocol, there was significant progress on several fronts. And the Digital Innovation Office has even stronger mandate than before so we’re looking for digital practitioners like you!
The Exemplar Projects
The DIO is just over a year old, but we still believe in delivery as the strategy (to quote Mike Bracken). Our first product: a redesigned Childcare Subsidy Application was launched last month. This popular service has already saved parents hours of time while streamlining the review process for staff.
The Traffic Tickets Digital Service
is still in the Alpha phase though we’ve already processed tickets with real users as we test the prototype in towns across Alberta. Though less popular (who wants a traffic ticket?) it will eliminate the need to travel to courthouses for most common transactions while freeing up justice system staff for more serious matters in civil, family and criminal law.
Aboriginal Consultation Digital Service
There’s also a prototype product to improve the process for consulting with First Nations on projects that may impact their Treaty rights and traditional uses and with Métis Settlements on projects that may impact their harvesting and traditional use activities. Industry proponents and First Nations consultation office users have tested it so far, with improvements in transparency and ease of use.
The Mandate
The DIO is empowered and motivated to design more efficient products and services for Albertans on both sides of the counter. By keeping the focus on users and rapid prototyping with modern open source technologies, we can achieve more for Albertans even while budgets are smaller.
The Team
We will soon need all the traditional roles for a modern product delivery team: service designers, front end designers, full stack developers and scrum masters. If you have experience with agile product delivery and a desire to serve the public, please watch for opportunities here.
