Overview
We want to provide the best possible experience for our users and their needs. To do this we apply the most effective framework depending on the customer and service needs or requirements. As a starting point, we have split our digital products into a set of categories.
Our core offer
Our core offer for digital services uses our standard service template outlined in the layouts section of the foundation’s chapter. Our service template and the components and patterns used to build it are tested and iterated to make sure they meet the needs of as many of our users as possible.
Our core offer is designed for users that:
- need information and advice
- need to report, pay or tell us about something
- want confidence they are dealing with Somerset Council
Our core offer is designed for services that:
- are an internal service
- are the responsible authority
- do not have their own branding
Change behaviours
Sometimes services need to help users change their behaviours, for example to help develop healthy lifestyles or as part of a wider community campaign.
When a service needs to engage and inspire their users, we use a larger set of components to create a more immersive experience. We still make sure we create consistency in our user journeys through the website when we use these components.
This offer is designed for users that:
- need information and advice
- need to report, pay or tell us about something
- want confidence they are dealing with Somerset Council
This offer is designed for services that:
- are trying to shape customer behaviour
- need to engage or inspire the customer
- are an internal service
- are the responsible authority
- do not have their own branding
Lead partner
On occasions where Somerset Council is the lead in a partnership or board, they may need a digital presence. We will use the components and patterns from our core and changing behaviours offer to build this service but with the option to use different branding and styling if needed.
This offer is designed for users that:
- may have unique or specific needs
- need information, advice or support
- need to report, pay or tell us about something
- want confidence they are dealing with Somerset Council and/or partners
This offer is designed for services that:
- are the lead partner
- may have their own branding
- are a partnership or board
Lead partner with unique functionality
Sometimes there is a requirement for a partnership website or app to be independent of www.somerset.gov.uk and hosted separately. This may be because a need has been identified during Discovery for unique functionality or fundamental changes to core components to meet the user need.
This is designed for users that:
- may have unique or specific needs
- need information, advice or support
- need to submit an application or request
- want confidence they are dealing with Somerset Council and/or partners
This is designed for services that:
- are the lead partner
- may have its own branding
- are a partnership or board
- have unique functionality or where changes to core components have been identified as part of ideation
This service will require their own domain and hosting so budget must be considered.
Campaign sites
Campaign sites are designed to serve their target audience best. Our components and patterns will be used but styling can be more flexible to suit the purpose of the site. Where there is a validated user need, new components or features can be developed.
This offer is designed for users who have unique or specific needs outside of council services.
This offer is designed for services that:
- have their own branding
- have a marketing strategy
- want to capture customer attention
- want to engage hard-to-reach citizens
- are aiming to change or impact behaviours
Partnership or traded service
This is when Somerset Council is not the lead partner. It is where the council is part of an equal partnership with other organisations, or the service is either traded or run as an enterprise.
This offer is designed for services that have their own branding.
This service will require its own domain and hosting, so the budget must be considered.
Can I commission design independently?
No, although the Somerset Council commissions external designers, this still requires oversight from the design and the digital team to ensure that materials meet our branding and accessibility requirements. All design work should be discussed and approved by the design team before being approached by external agencies.