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This guidance will help you apply standard point 1 (opens in new tab).
Everyone is responsible for meeting the Service Standard. This standard point is most relevant to:
Take time to understand users' needs and the problem you're trying to solve for them.
Think about people's entire experience and the systems and processes around the product or service you're building.
You need to understand your users and their needs (opens in new tab) to build something that helps them. Otherwise you could build the wrong thing or make DfE services more difficult to use.
Understanding as much of the context of the user needs as possible will give you the best chance of meeting them in the most simple, cost effective way.
The most obvious problem is not always the one that needs solving. Test assumptions early and often to reduce the risk of building the wrong thing.
You'll be assessed on what you've done to meet this standard at service assessments. However, even if the service you're working on is not being assessed, it's good practice to consider how you'll meet this standard point.
Each DDaT profession in DfE has their own community and guidance.
User Research Manual
Design Manual