A complete redesign of a legacy system used by the state of Minnesota, its counties, municipalities, and school districts to aid in the running of elections.

Overview

This project is just getting off the ground but has, and will, require significant design planning and user input, both newer concepts for the team. I am introducing the team to the design process and working to integrate it into our development process.

Since its release in 2004, the Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) has grown exponentially, in both functionality and user base. However, technology and user interface updates did not keep pace with that growth. It is a powerful system weighed down by bloat, aging technology, a dated interface, and it requires a complete redesign.

Design Process

Research

I conducted a thorough review of historic user feedback and user documentation to better understand how SVRS works and what it is capable of. It was also essential to see how users are currently using the system and the challenges they encounter. I organized on-site observations and user interviews with a sample of about 20 counties.

Invaluable information was obtained from these visits.

Finding #1

Users frequently found the workflows within SVRS to be confusing and cumbersome. This could lead to incorrect and unauthorized usage of SVRS.

Finding #2

Finding #3

The interface created many challenges for users. The font size is too small, there are too many text treatments making it difficult to determine focus, misleading colors and poor color contrast also contributed to the confusion.

Finding inspiration at this point has also proved to be helpful, especially when discussing initial ideas.

Define

Ideate, Prototype, Test

SVRS was difficult to use across different devices (mainly desktop to laptop). Screens are not responsive and require both vertical and horizontal scrolling.

I am working closely with the Elections Department and Development Team to define a minimum viable product (MVP). Since SVRS is regulated by the Legislature, our approach is bringing SVRS back to the basics, what is required by law and building up from that.

These steps remain a work in progress at the moment. Brainstorming and sketching out potential solutions has begun. Also a user group is being created to ensure our work receives timely and relevant feedback as we move forward in planning.

Statewide Voter Registration System