This Project has been released to ABS Website
What?
We're creating a suite of pages for 'Understanding Statistics' which will provide a central repository for all information, resources and learning materials for understanding statistical information and accessing, analysing and using the range of data that is available on the ABS website. A number of pages providing information and resources specific to client groups (Federal Gov't, Universities and Libraries) are also being developed or redeveloped as part of this project.
Why?
There is an increasing need for more targeted online learning materials, and more prominent positioning of these to assist clients to easily navigate to resources that will assist them to develop a better understanding of statistical information and the range of data on the ABS website.
When?
The revamped First Visit page and newly developed Understanding Statistics webpages will be launched in October/November 2009.
#1: Monut
I actually don't mind the plan set up. People are coming here to get data not to be entertained. The set out is neat and fairly uncluttered.
Please though, get rid of the word 'Client'.
#2: Gina
Thank you to everyone that has provided feedback so far. The primary target group for the Understanding Statistics webpages are relatively new users of ABS data, and/or those who are interested in developing a better understanding of statistics.
The suite of webpages provides a range of resources (including fact sheets, video tutorials, online courses etc) that will assist these users to find, understand, analyse and use ABS data. New resources will be developed and added to these webpages over time as well.
We will also be developing (or in some cases re-developing) portals that will provide information and resources tailored to the needs of specific client groups (eg. Federal Gov't, Universities and Libraries).
Feedback from a range of different users has been received about the format of these pages and the ordering of categories.
#3: Craig
Great start guys,
Reflecting the views above - who is your target audience?
Have you considered having different views (pages) for different audiences?
#4: Adi
Hi Jarryd,
What sort of testing have you done to make sure that the sections are in a logical order.
It would be great to do a card sorting task with some users to make sure that your groupings make sense to others. For example, some people would think that "polpulation/people" is the same as "census data", obviously they are wrong, but then again your users do not have the highest level of statistical literacy, hence this website.
I also think you should change the heading "Client Groups", people who use the website are unlikely to think of themselves as "clients". That language is very ABS-centric.
I dont think you need anything flashy as @Geoff implies. Sometimes it is better to have a simple text list that can be searched rather than a bunch of incomprehensible images. Just make sure you use a group the right terms.
#5: BIll
Hello,
Your work is very important and will go a long way to assisting many in he community who need to get access to better quality data/statistics to inform their practice.
It is hard to give you specific comments about your prototypes/designs because it is not clear to me which of your target groups/stakeholders you are targetting with the general design. Obviously the para-professional, community members etc?. My general comments relate to the overall design and first impression.
Very wordy and linear. Perhaps it will discourage a number of non-professional end-users, although the general themes and categories within those themese appear logical to me, assuming I understand your target groups...
One omission in my view in the stakeholders section would be not-for-profit/community groups.
The possibility/opportunity to incorporate some graphical/mapping examples of the USE/output of the data may also assist.
A little of the GOV2.0 type stuff might also help explain the 'Why" section a little better.
The "grammar" of the site design also appears to change as you move through different sections. I.e the three themes of the "First" page turns in to six themes in the resources section.
Good luck with it.
Kind regards
BIll
#6: dp1974
This is a great idea. Statistics without explanation is almost worse than not having stats in the first place. And given how integral business reporting is to nightly televised news, let alone newspapers and blogs, it should be part of the ABS's brief to educate the public about public data.
However, it is hard to comment on the content, given that the links aren't live. Also, I note that you have the blog (which I find very useful) linked twice ...
#7: Geoff
Too many clicks to get to the information
Layout is so old, uninviting, too much text
What about images instead
Does not inspire confidence that the ABS services, products will be up to date and aligned to my way of working, thinking and navigation.
I am actually surprised by the dullness of the page. I really expected it to be much more inspiring. A real disapointment. The ABS must get real and take a lead from the outside world. C,mon guys. The ABC has even surpassed the ABS, in presentation etc, and who ever thought that would happen!