Discovery and Research

Whether you’re rebuilding an outdated council website, launching a new digital service, or migrating multiple sites into one cohesive platform, our discovery process ensures clarity from day one. We align internal stakeholders, map existing digital touchpoints, and gather critical user insights — so you can make informed decisions, reduce project risk, and build a WordPress solution that’s fit for purpose.

Understanding Discovery and Research in Public Sector Website Projects

Public sector digital projects often face complex challenges: legacy systems, accessibility requirements, multiple user types, and tight governance constraints. Without clear understanding at the outset, these challenges can derail even the best-intentioned initiatives.

That’s why Discovery and Research is a critical first step. At 6B, we approach discovery as a strategic engagement — helping you uncover what your users really need, how your organisation operates, and how WordPress can be leveraged to deliver services more effectively.

We go beyond surface-level requirements. We examine your information architecture, assess compliance needs (such as WCAG and GDPR), and identify where existing websites may fall short. Whether you’re working within GDS principles or local digital standards, we’ll help you shape a strategy that is inclusive, user-centred, and aligned with your organisation’s mission.

Our Discovery and Research Approach

Every public sector web project at 6B begins with structured, collaborative discovery. We engage with your internal teams — from IT and communications to service owners and governance leads — to build a shared understanding of what the new website must achieve.

We run stakeholder workshops, conduct one-to-one interviews, and audit your current digital estate to identify pain points and content gaps. For user research, we gather both qualitative and quantitative data — often through surveys, analytics reviews, and accessibility testing — to understand real user behaviours and needs.

Where appropriate, we produce early wireframes or clickable prototypes to test ideas and gather feedback before development begins. We also document key user journeys, accessibility requirements, and integration points — ensuring the final build reflects not just what’s desirable, but what’s practical and necessary within your public service context.

At the end of discovery, you’ll receive a clear, evidence-backed delivery plan: including user personas, project goals, technical considerations, and a prioritised roadmap. This becomes your foundation for a focused, efficient WordPress build.