Project Details
Silkeborg Data
2013
User Experience
Silkebord Data has developed a strong, agile development process, which is applied in all their development projects. However, they wanted to better accommodate the everyday needs of their end users. Using the master-apprentice method, key employees worked closely together with Mjølner’s consultant in carrying out field studies and design activities related to current development projects within SD.
THE SETTING
Silkeborg Data (SD) is Denmark’s most successful provider of systems to manage salary payments to employees within the public sector. Through a process of coaching, teaching, and the creation of strong design tools, Mjølner helped update the customer’s own development process putting the user at the center of attention.
Through the years, SD has developed a strong, agile development process, which is applied in all their development projects. However, they wanted to better accommodate the everyday needs of their end users and asked Mjølner for help.
SCALABLE AND WELL-DEFINED UX MODEL
In essence, Silkeborg Data needed a scalable and well-defined UX model that wouldn’t break the budget and that would put their users at the center of attention.
SD also wanted to improve their own design abilities so they wouldn’t have to hire external consultants for every new project.
MASTER AND APPRENTICE
Mjølner carefully observed SD’s existing way of working after which a tailored teaching course was created.
Using the master-apprentice method, key employees worked closely together with Mjølner’s consultant in carrying out field studies and design activities related to current development projects within SD.
The project helped strengthen Silkeborg Data’s UX department by educating employees, creating a UX toolbox, and implementing parts of Mjølner’s well-proven UX process within the customer’s own development process.
EMBEDDING UX THINKING IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Mjølner and SD gradually began to define how UX thinking should be immersed into SD’s existing development model.
Mjølner helped SD define who would be the key employees to apply UX methods within the organization and how their competencies should be upgraded to prepare them for the challenging, but immensely important task.
TEACHING 21 MANAGERS AND KEY EMPLOYEES
The project ended with a customized two-day course on UX based on Mjølner’s intricate knowledge of Silkeborg Data’s specific challenges and strengths. 21 managers and key employees participated in the event, which ensured the necessary political backing needed to keep momentum and carry through on the commenced UX initiatives.
The client
Silkeborg Data has more than 40 years of experience within salary- and personnel administration. At present, 28 municipalities, 4 regions, and more than 100 public institutions use Silkeborg Løn. The many users speak for themselves and make Silkeborg Data Denmark’s most successful provider of salary systems.