Talk to 9

Executive Summary

The US Department of Health and Human Services creates resources for the general public that can help them better their health. However, HHS resources are not always understandable or user-friendly. With user experience design, talking to your audience is the first step towards designing a resource that is right for them. But we found that few HHS staff speak with their audience before creating resources. Many cited lack of clarity around the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) as a barrier to engaging their audience. PRA requires agencies to get approval from the White House Office of Management and Budget before collecting information from more than 9 individuals. HHS staff have found PRA to be a lengthy process preventing them from speaking with their audience. However, just 9 people can spark the inspiration needed to design the right resource. The team’s solution is called “Talk to 9.” This campaign will encourage HHS staff to talk to 9 people when creating resources and equip staff with tools to not only find and talk to 9 but also take what they learn to improve the resources they create.

A project supported by the: HHS Ignite Accelerator

Team Members

Sarika Kasaraneni (Project Lead), OS
Margeaux Akazawa, ONC
Elizabeth Squire, OASH
Caitlin Blood, OASH
Gloria Barnes, ASPA

Milestones

March 2016: Project selected into the HHS Ignite Accelerator
April 2016: Time in the Accelerator began
June 2016: Conducted 40 interviews with HHS staff and two focus groups
July 2016: Time in the Accelerator ended

Project Sponsor

Meena Seshamani, Director, Office of Health Reform, HHS