Client: UNDP | Year: 2024
Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) faced significant challenges in effectively supporting its staff during crises due to an outdated and difficult-to-use platform. This platform was intended to host thematic crisis response packages, which in-country staff activate when a crisis occurs. Recognizing the need for a more integrated and user-friendly solution, UNDP aimed to revamp both the platform and the crisis response packages themselves to enhance overall efficiency and coordination.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) faced significant challenges in effectively supporting its staff during crises due to an outdated and difficult-to-use platform. This platform was intended to host thematic crisis response packages, which in-country staff activate when a crisis occurs. Recognizing the need for a more integrated and user-friendly solution, UNDP aimed to revamp both the platform and the crisis response packages themselves to enhance overall efficiency and coordination.
Goals
The primary objectives were to understand the needs and challenges faced by stakeholders during crises, map the user journey to pinpoint essential actions and resources, and develop a more efficient and integrated platform for crisis management. The ultimate aim was to ensure the solution was scalable and adaptable for future needs.
The primary objectives were to understand the needs and challenges faced by stakeholders during crises, map the user journey to pinpoint essential actions and resources, and develop a more efficient and integrated platform for crisis management. The ultimate aim was to ensure the solution was scalable and adaptable for future needs.
Methods
I analyzed 23 interviews with Resident Representatives and Crisis Office Technical Staff to gather critical insights. I conducted secondary research, including desk research and benchmarking, to identify best practices. Using a human-centered design approach, I facilitated collaboration and creative sessions with stakeholders. This process included mapping, testing, and iterating the user journey to ensure all key actions and resources were identified. I also prototyped and tested the information architecture for the new platform.
I analyzed 23 interviews with Resident Representatives and Crisis Office Technical Staff to gather critical insights. I conducted secondary research, including desk research and benchmarking, to identify best practices. Using a human-centered design approach, I facilitated collaboration and creative sessions with stakeholders. This process included mapping, testing, and iterating the user journey to ensure all key actions and resources were identified. I also prototyped and tested the information architecture for the new platform.
Outcome
The project culminated in the development of an intuitive SharePoint site linked to a duplicable Teams template. From the interviews, I learned that stakeholders often struggled to access and navigate the former platform. The new SharePoint site addresses these issues by providing a centralized, easy-to-use interface. Additionally, I identified a need to improve coordination during crises, specifically enhancing communication and collaboration among stakeholders, which led to the development of the Teams space.
The project culminated in the development of an intuitive SharePoint site linked to a duplicable Teams template. From the interviews, I learned that stakeholders often struggled to access and navigate the former platform. The new SharePoint site addresses these issues by providing a centralized, easy-to-use interface. Additionally, I identified a need to improve coordination during crises, specifically enhancing communication and collaboration among stakeholders, which led to the development of the Teams space.
This solution leveraged the organization’s existing Microsoft license and familiarity with the ecosystem, reflecting their digital maturity. When we tested the concept with stakeholders, they provided positive feedback about the newly designed system, validating it. The new platform provides seamless navigation and is designed for easy modification, allowing for the addition of new content and scalability. This revamped platform is poised to significantly improve UNDP’s crisis response efficiency and effectiveness.
The next steps involve pilot testing the platform in situ, finalizing the crisis response package content, and exploring further enhancements like integrating Microsoft IA Copilot to maximize the potential of the existing Microsoft suite license.
Testimonial
“Working with Benjamin on re-designing the UNDP’s Crisis Response platform was a pleasure. He quickly understood the intricate challenges of our project, synthesized stakeholder needs, and delivered an intuitive, user-friendly solution. His work transformed a complex system into something much easier to use, leaving us with a strong foundation to build upon. I appreciated his thoughtful and practical approach, always balancing the big picture with attention to detail. I’d recommend him to anyone looking for smart, effective solutions to complex challenges.”
- Arilda Dragjoshi, Communications Analyst
“Working with Benjamin on re-designing the UNDP’s Crisis Response platform was a pleasure. He quickly understood the intricate challenges of our project, synthesized stakeholder needs, and delivered an intuitive, user-friendly solution. His work transformed a complex system into something much easier to use, leaving us with a strong foundation to build upon. I appreciated his thoughtful and practical approach, always balancing the big picture with attention to detail. I’d recommend him to anyone looking for smart, effective solutions to complex challenges.”
- Arilda Dragjoshi, Communications Analyst
