Simplying resolution options for when parents separate

I worked on this project for 4 months with a content designer, user researcher, and developers to create screens for the Ministry of Justice, helping separating parents explore resolution options.

Despite cuts to legal aid, many parents, often self-representing, were still choosing court to resolve disputes. The MoJ saw many cases that could have been resolved more effectively through alternative methods.

we collaborated with charities, educational bodies, and government departments to understand the resolution options for parents and children, as well as the emotional impact of their journey.

Our goal was to create a tool to help parents make a fair, informed decision on the best option for them.

Early sketches from the landing page and the detail page

Initial sketch Initial sketch

Initial testing showed parents preferred bullet points to quickly understand key options, like Mediation. Cost was important, but some found the symbols confusing. The "Is this for you?" boxes with pros and cons were helpful, but often overlooked.

Screenshot of the Mediation summary from our 1st prototype

Mediation summary from our 1st prototype

For the next round of testing we merged the bullet points with the ‘is this for you?’ box to create a single ‘pro’s and con’s’ piece of content. This tested very well.

The pro’s and con’s box tested very well

The pro’s and con’s box

Refining our ideas

Based on what we’d learnt to date we began by identifying aspects of the tool that performed well in user research. We then brainstormed and explored high level concepts which could meet the refined user needs.

Launch

The beta version went live in July 2017 with feedback stating that nearly 90% of users on the site now "know what to do next".

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