UX Archives | Digital Leaders https://digileaders.com/topic/ux/ We Lead Transformation Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:32:56 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://digileaders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Plain-DL-Logo-150x150.png UX Archives | Digital Leaders https://digileaders.com/topic/ux/ 32 32 A faster website is not just better for users – it’s a win for the planet too  https://digileaders.com/a-faster-website-is-not-just-better-for-users-its-a-win-for-the-planet-too/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:04:38 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=36460 For digital leaders driving transformation across sectors, your websites are not only gateways for users, but also reflect you as an organisation and that includes your commitment to environmental responsibility. Faster websites aren’t resource‑hungry “gas guzzlers”, they’re optimised, efficient digital experiences that benefit users, business […]

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For digital leaders driving transformation across sectors, your websites are not only gateways for users, but also reflect you as an organisation and that includes your commitment to environmental responsibility. Faster websites aren’t resourcehungry “gas guzzlers”, they’re optimised, efficient digital experiences that benefit users, business outcomes, and the planet. 

At Zoocha, we’re one of two UK-based Diamond Certified Drupal Partners. Our team are experts at configuring the Drupal Content Management System to take advantage of its power and flexibility whilst maximising performance and sustainability. 

 

Why speed matters — For people, planet and business

  • User Expectations: If a page takes more than 3 seconds to load, abandonment rates soar, especially on mobile devices, where sluggish experiences translate directly into lost engagement and credibility. 
  • Environmental Impact: Slow-loading sites consume more energy per user session and generate higher COemissions, particularly when serving underserved areas or older devices. 
  • SEO & Reach: Search engines reward responsive and efficient websites. A lean site means fewer resources and greater visibility. 

Measure Your Digital Carbon Footprint 

There are many tools for technical analysis of site performance – both for auditing and ongoing monitoring – but here I’ve shared two websites that can give you a quick view of where you currently sit. 

  • Website Carbon Calculator can show you how many grams of COeach page view generates, and whether your site ranks closer to an “A+” or “F” footprint. 
  • Check if your hosting is powered by renewable energy via the Green Web Foundation.

These tools are just as easily accessible by potential partners and clients, who want to work with organisations who also care about the planet. These aren’t just metrics, they’re the starting point for leadership in sustainable digital transformation. 

Drupal’s Built-In Sustainability Advantage

As an ultra-modern open-source Content Management System, we recommend Drupal, offering powerful tools to balance performance and efficiency. These are numerous and include: 

  • Smart Image Handling: 

○ Use Drupal’s Image Styles to deliver images at the exact size required based on an original image upload help within Drupal’s Media Library. 

○ Focal point selection, automated cropping and image generation based on device, through responsive image configurations ensure you load only what’s necessary for the design and screen size in play. 

  • Next‑Gen Formats (WebP & AVIF): 

○ WebP files can shrink image sizes by up to 26% versus PNG, while AVIF can offer reductions up to 50% with similar quality. 

○ Drupal modules for WebP (and emerging AVIF support) let your site serve more efficient formats, reducing load times and bandwidth. 

  • Caching & Delivery Optimisation:

○ Drupal’s internal caching mechanism can be fine-tuned to read HTML straight from the database rather than regenerated from code. That is fully context aware so can be applied to whole pages for anonymous users, right through to individual blocks for admins which have a short lifetime. Smart cache tagging means caches can be regenerated as required so the site remains up-to-date. 

○ While not Drupal-exclusive, server-side caching layers (like Varnish, Memecache or Redis), CDNs such as CloudFlare for static content, and efficient hosting architectures dramatically reduce energy use and speed up content delivery. 

 

Why Digital Leaders should care

Every millisecond shaved off page load times means lower energy consumption across hundreds, thousands, or millions of visits. Investing in performance-friendly practices aligns with broader sustainability commitments and sets an example across public, private, and third sectors with exactly the values-driven leadership Digital Leaders embodies. We see Drupal’s flexibility, combined with targeted optimisation strategies, as crucial in helping organisations scale without multiplying their carbon footprint. 

 

Practical steps to lead with sustainable speed

  1. Audit First: Run performance and sustainability diagnostics like Lighthouse, PageSpeed Insights, and Carbon Calculator. 
  2. Optimise Resources: Apply responsive image styles, choose right-sized assets, swap JPGs for WebP, and reduce heavy media. 
  3. Leverage Drupal Smart Configurations: Use responsive images, correct focal points, and Drupal-native handling to streamline delivery. 
  4. Improve Delivery Infrastructure: Adopt caching, CDNs, and green hosting aligned with your organisation’s environmental targets. 
  5. Track and Communicate Progress: Regularly report reduced load times, bandwidth usage, and COemissions and even small improvements demonstrate leadership. 

By accelerating your website’s performance, you strengthen user trust, amplify impact, and reduce your environmental footprint all at once. That is the essence of sustainable digital leadership.


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From useful to essential: How Microsoft Copilot transformed accessibility at work https://digileaders.com/from-useful-to-essential-how-microsoft-copilot-transformed-accessibility-at-work/ Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:36:25 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35909 What if the most transformative workplace innovation wasn’t just about efficiency, but inclusion? Over a five-month pilot of Microsoft Copilot for M365 across a major UK government department, we tracked how 300 users adapted to the AI-powered platform. Twelve percent of these users identified as […]

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What if the most transformative workplace innovation wasn’t just about efficiency, but inclusion?

Over a five-month pilot of Microsoft Copilot for M365 across a major UK government department, we tracked how 300 users adapted to the AI-powered platform. Twelve percent of these users identified as having accessibility requirements—ranging from cognitive conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, to physical or fatigue-related impairments such as RSI or ME.

We expected productivity improvements. What we didn’t expect was how dramatically Copilot would empower those with accessibility needs.

 

The quiet revolution in accessibility

Accessibility is broad and often invisible. It spans permanent disabilities, temporary injuries, and neurodivergent processing differences. Among our test group, challenges ranged from difficulty taking notes in real-time, to anxiety around written expression, to the cognitive load of switching tasks.

What we found was this: Microsoft Copilot didn’t just accommodate these users—it enabled them to perform at a higher level, with greater autonomy and confidence.

 

What is Copilot?

Microsoft Copilot integrates AI capabilities into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem—Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint. It helps users generate content, summarise meetings and documents, refine communications, explore data, and manage emails more effectively.

Among all pilot participants:

  • 50% reported higher job satisfaction
  • 55% said their collaboration improved
  • 65% felt their work quality increased

But the numbers for users with accessibility needs told a stronger story.

 

The three invisible frictions Copilot solves

  1. Note taking in meetings

For users with auditory processing difficulties or neurodivergence, following a meeting while also taking notes can be mentally exhausting. Copilot’s ability to summarise discussions and surface key points after the fact significantly reduced cognitive load.

One user said, “As a neurodivergent person, Copilot has been transformative. I can be more productive with its assistance in readouts, transcriptions, engaging in meetings and rephrasing language.”

  1. Writing documents and emails

Writing clearly and concisely can be challenging, particularly for users with conditions that affect focus, language, or executive functioning. Copilot’s editing and summarising tools allowed users to improve clarity, structure, and tone—without requiring additional time or stress.

  1. Starting from scratch

Many users with accessibility needs reported that a blank page was one of their biggest productivity blocks. Copilot helped initiate the thinking process, whether by offering content prompts or generating a first draft that users could then edit or refine.

“It’s cutting the time taken to do tasks in half,” said one user. “It’s saving time and effort and helping me stay productive.”

 

The numbers that matter

When we compared outcomes between all users and those with accessibility requirements, the differential was clear:

Outcome All Users Users with Accessibility Needs
Job Satisfaction 50% 67%
Wellbeing 46% 71%
Average Time Saved per Week 1.5 hrs 1.9 hrs
Work Quality Improvement 65% 72%
Improved Collaboration 55% 71%

This isn’t just a story about AI. It’s a case study in how digital transformation, when deployed with purpose, can create a more equitable work environment.

 

What we learned

Many users were enthusiastic about Copilot’s support. But for those with accessibility needs, it went beyond convenience—it became essential.

One user said, “I would be absolutely lost without Copilot now. It has been so brilliant I cannot imagine ever having to work without it again.”

Another added, “I would consider Copilot essential, honestly. For me, it is the single biggest productivity boost since MS Teams or even something as integral as email.”

 

Beyond productivity: Designing for equity

This pilot programme reinforced a critical truth: tools designed for everyone must work for everyone.

If inclusion is the benchmark for modern digital transformation, then Copilot is more than a workplace enhancement. It is a catalyst for equity. And that makes it not just an operational win—but a strategic imperative.


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From sticky notes to seamless services: What I learned about Medway Council’s digital transformation https://digileaders.com/from-sticky-notes-to-seamless-services-what-i-learned-about-medway-councils-digital-transformation/ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 09:18:56 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=36136 I had the opportunity to attend Medway Council’s Connect Day in May 2025, and the digital team showcased a transformative journey in public service delivery, one that moved from the chaos of sticky notes and scattered, outdated systems to streamlined, scalable digital services using Jadu […]

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I had the opportunity to attend Medway Council’s Connect Day in May 2025, and the digital team showcased a transformative journey in public service delivery, one that moved from the chaos of sticky notes and scattered, outdated systems to streamlined, scalable digital services using Jadu Connect. The standout session was “Service design from the ground up”, led by Vicky Bichard, Lead Service Designer at Medway Council, which showcased how a service design-led approach not only brought clarity and consistency but also delivered measurable efficiencies across departments at the council.

 

The Challenge: too many systems, too little time

Vicky and the digital team at Medway Council shared their journey from a tangled mess of sticky notes, outdated systems, and disconnected workflows to a streamlined, scalable digital setup using Jadu Connect. It wasn’t just about upgrading technology; it was about rethinking how services are designed and delivered.

 

Like many local authorities, Medway Council grappled with legacy customer relationship management systems (CRMs), disjointed workflows, and a lack of time. With 29 service areas and 72 different workflows, service delivery had become unmanageable and tiresome for both staff and residents, as they attempted to maintain a legacy system while building new forms, which split their focus. Internal customer service officers faced frustration from duplicate reports and mis-assigned cases, while residents were often left confused, faced with unnecessarily complex processes that were difficult to navigate to complete simple tasks.

 

The foundation: designing for people and process

What impressed me most was how Medway embedded core service design principles into their transformation work, specifically the “5 Ps”: people, processes, policies, platforms, and performance.

 

Key activities, such as problem reporting, desk-based triage, on-site investigation, and outcome updates, were found to be common across many services. Recognising these patterns allowed the council to reuse workflows they had already built rather than build from scratch for each case, saving significant time.

 

The breakthrough: smarter tools, familiar processes

Introducing Jadu Connect proved to be a game-changer for the council. With the ability to reuse and adapt workflows, staff could build services swiftly while maintaining quality and consistency. By using familiar interfaces across a centralised system, teams were able to streamline processes, reduce the need for extensive retraining, and make changes with confidence.

 

The visibility offered by Jadu Connect made it easy for teams to refine processes, respond to feedback from internal staff and residents, and deliver outcomes more efficiently.

 

From complexity to clarity

One of the highlights of the session for me was seeing the contrast between Medway’s old digital journeys and what they’ve built now. Vicky highlighted the contrast between the digital service journeys since redesigning them via Jadu Connect.

Before the redesign, the experience was plagued by:

  • Duplicate reports
  • Incorrectly assigned tasks
  • Frustration for both officers and residents
  • Confusing user experiences with long journeys that were difficult to navigate

After the redesign, the journey now features:

  • Seamless, innovative and intuitive digital services
  • Clear purpose and expectations of services
  • Streamlined steps to complete tasks
  • No more dead ends
  • Accessible and inclusive by design
  • Fast, easy access to human support
  • Transparent decision-making that builds resident satisfaction

These improvements were underpinned by service design patterns that could be applied across all departments at the Council, reducing duplication and increasing public trust.

 

Scalable, adaptable and human-centred

What really stood out to me was how Medway’s transformation wasn’t just technical – it was cultural. Internal teams are now empowered to own and manage their services within a common framework, and services can be scaled, updated, and improved without disrupting operations.

 

By aligning around shared goals and putting user needs first, Medway demonstrated that real change is possible, even in complex systems and tight timelines. By having all active stakeholders involved in the process, Medway were able to identify and eliminate 75% of manual tasks, triage and duplication resolution carried out by officers. The data shows them what still isn’t working, and they can therefore see where continuous improvements are required.

 

Looking ahead

This session was more than a case study; it was a clear demonstration of what’s possible when service design is taken seriously. Medway has laid strong foundations, and with tools like Jadu Connect in place, they’re well positioned to keep evolving.

 

Seeing the live demo and hearing about the outcomes gave me a lot to think about. It’s encouraging to know that real change is achievable, even in complex environments and under tight timelines, when you centre the work around people, process, and purpose.


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Lessons from digital leaders on customer experience https://digileaders.com/lessons-from-digital-leaders-on-customer-experience/ Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:45:45 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=36051 Our recent webinar on ‘The cost of getting customer experience wrong’, brought together industry experts to discuss the critical challenges facing organisations in their quest to deliver exceptional customer experiences. The panel highlighted some stark findings from our recent report, Know me or lose me, which revealed […]

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Bridging the gap between business priorities and customer needs

The conversation explored a fundamental disconnect in how businesses approach customer experience. Despite widespread acknowledgement of its importance, many organisations continue to prioritise operational efficiency over customer-centricity. As Cat Morse, Head of Digital Customer Experience at Royal London noted, companies often make decisions to satisfy stakeholders rather than customers, despite evidence showing that focusing on CX drives greater profitability in the long term.

Tim Mason, CEO of Eagle Eye and one of the pioneers behind Tesco Clubcard, agreed and emphasised that truly customer-driven strategies begin with understanding customers’ lives and needs, not with data or technology. Yet while plenty of businesses “talk a good game,” when it comes to offering a “genuinely customer-first strategy,” not enough deliver on their promises. Too often, the tech comes before the people

The importance of the customer-first approach

The role of data in customer experience formed a central thread of the discussion. Rich Bovey, Chief for Data at AND Digital, observed that “data reveals what people do, but rarely why.

“He highlighted the need to combine quantitative insights with qualitative understanding of customer motivation. Data may be essential, but its true value is only realised when integrated into a customer-first approach. With that focus, Tim Mason noted, businesses will naturally “buy the right systems” and “use data in the right way to benefit customers.”

The AI arms race and the key to a flying start

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the report was that 56% of respondents said they had made AI-based decisions despite knowing the data on which those decisions were based may have been flawed.

This rush to adopt AI without adequate data foundations represents a significant risk to customer trust and brand reputation. It’s something enterprise organisations are taking increasingly seriously. Rich Bovey pointed to Salesforce’s recent acquisition of Informatica, a data management platform. At $8 billion, the price was four times what Salesforce has to date invested in AI specifically, a powerful acknowledgement that the quality of AI rests on the quality of the data that underpins it.

But what about the mid-market? The report highlighted a developing ‘AI arms race’ between enterprise and mid-market companies. Despite the democratisation of AI tools, the panel agreed that data quality and maturity create the real competitive advantage. Organisations with historic investments in their data infrastructure have a significant head start, regardless of their size.

The cultural north star

Despite the power and scope of data and AI, the panel agreed that perhaps the most crucial factor in delivering exceptional customer experiences remains cultural alignment. That is what creates the ‘north star’ that guides employee decisions, even in uncharted territory. When staff understand and internalise customer-centricity, said Tim Mason, they naturally make choices that enhance the customer experience.

Royal London’s approach is a good example of this. Cat Morse described how the organisation has embedded customer focus in everything from organisational purpose to individual team objectives, so that everyone has “a clear line of sight between what they are doing and how it connects to the wider ambition.”

Empathy + data

What does customer-first really look like? To round off, the panel gave some examples. It’s the restaurant that changes its napkin colours to avoid leaving guests with white lint on dark skirts and trousers. It’s the airline that supports parents travelling with children and helps take the stress out of their journey.

In each instance, customer first is a business able to combine empathy with data to show a real understanding of customer pain points and then address their needs.


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AI with purpose: Finding meaningful opportunities through a user-centric lens https://digileaders.com/ai-with-purpose-finding-meaningful-opportunities-through-a-user-centric-lens/ Sun, 01 Jun 2025 11:13:49 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35781 Over the past few years, I’ve had many conversations with friends and acquaintances spanning a wide range of industries, including the civil service, agencies, consultancies, and the private sector. Throughout these conversations, the topic of AI has come up time and time again, with work […]

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Over the past few years, I’ve had many conversations with friends and acquaintances spanning a wide range of industries, including the civil service, agencies, consultancies, and the private sector.

Throughout these conversations, the topic of AI has come up time and time again, with work covering fascinating areas such as housing, planning, retail, food, and finance. I’m sure you have had these conversations too.

Each exchange has brought tales, hilarious anecdotes and occasional horror stories, of how different organisations are exploring AI’s potential.

Alarmingly though, so many initiatives seem to be a solution in search of a problem, rather than a solution meeting a need.

Unfortunately, we are quickly and acutely getting to know what poor AX (AI experience) feels like; whether it’s overzealous fraud detection, wacky voice recognition (ChatGPT still can’t grasp my accent), or incorrect outputs that we must manually, and exhaustingly, correct.

 

Think about humans first

While starting with the needs of humans isn’t the only way to deliver effective solutions, it is a tried and tested approach that can reduce risk, improve usability, and help organisations avoid some of the common pitfalls of AI implementation. Neglecting the user perspective tends to lead to challenges like:

  • Workarounds and frustration: People will find the path of least friction, if it doesn’t work for them, they will start to bypass systems, processes and policies, reducing productivity potential and creating additional burden.
  • Failure demand: If users can’t achieve their goals, they create additional pressure on support or other parts of the service, if a chatbot gives you silly answers, or responses you can’t trust, you will find another, more reliable channel, doubling up on support costs.
  • Operational inefficiency: If Ai technologies are implemented without considering the whole experience, staff may need to step in to resolve unexpected issues, leading to increased manual interventions, eating into those anticipated efficiency savings.
  • Costly redesigns: Solutions that don’t align with user needs often require significant rework later, whilst user centred design can seem like an unnecessary cost upfront, it often mitigates pain and complex unpicking later down the line.

There are tangible benefits of starting with the needs of humans:

Better journeys support higher adoption rates: when experiences align with user needs, people are more likely to embrace them. User dissatisfaction often stems from poorly planned service journeys, which can hinder the adoption of new products, services and systems.

Good usability supports productivity: helping users to be make less mistakes increases their productivity, research indicates that systems with high usability scores lead to substantially fewer user errors.

Increased trust: delivering reliable, user-friendly experiences builds confidence in the solutions, your team, or your organisation. Trust can be a huge influence, particularly in the use of solutions where Ai is a factor.

Compliance and accessibility: User-centricity can help ensure services meet legal and ethical standards. Making it easy for people to do the right thing often increases compliance with policies and governance.

 

How to identify human centred opportunities

An effective way of uncovering these opportunities is through exploring the user’s world.

Journey maps are a practical and structured way to do this. Advantageously many teams already have some form of these, or an alternative like service blueprints or process maps. When viewed through an Ai lens, these become powerful tools for spotting moments where technology could enhance, simplify, or even rethink parts of the experience.

While it’s tempting to jump straight to solutions, AI’s potential is vast and evolving too quickly to anchor thinking in specific tools. A more useful approach is to focus on AI’s fundamental capabilities;

  • Generation
  • Personalisation
  • Automation
  • Analysis
  • Recognition
  • Prediction

By framing AI in terms of what it can do rather than specific applications, it becomes easier to match the right capabilities to the right parts of the user journey. This shift in perspective helps move beyond novelty-driven experimentation and towards meaningful, user-centred innovation.

As AI continues to shape the future of services, its success will depend not just on technical advancements but on our ability to align it with genuine human needs.

 

A balanced approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for implementing AI. Some organisations might prioritise other factors, like cost savings or speed to market. But even in those cases, considering the user perspective can mitigate risks, reduce rework, and ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved.


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Why human-centred inclusive design is essential for financial services https://digileaders.com/why-human-centred-inclusive-design-is-essential-for-financial-services/ Thu, 22 May 2025 12:26:38 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35784 The need for inclusive design is more pressing than ever in financial services. Customers expect quality. The regular expects us to evidence it. To build a truly inclusive service and grow customer loyalty, financial organisations must adopt human-centred design, as outlined in the products and […]

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The need for inclusive design is more pressing than ever in financial services. Customers expect quality. The regular expects us to evidence it. To build a truly inclusive service and grow customer loyalty, financial organisations must adopt human-centred design, as outlined in the products and services outcome of the Consumer Duty regulations that came into play in July 2023.

Inclusive Design should start from the initial concept through rigorous testing and continuous improvement. This approach involves engaging a representative sample of customers with diverse capabilities, ensuring that services deliver equitable outcomes for all. It’s not only a regulatory requirement but also essential to creating high-quality, inclusive financial services.

 

The diverse financial services marketplace

The financial services marketplace is more diverse than ever before. There are now five generations in the financial lifecycle at once. Customers have a wide range of differing experiences and expectations concerning digital services. This diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Firms must design services that are usable and attractive to diverse customers, in all stages of the financial lifecycle. This isn’t easy! The aim of inclusive design isn’t hyper-personalisation – we can’t hope to preempt every customer’s unique needs and wants. But the days of ‘vanilla’ products and services is over. Design-in the ability to tailor support from the start, and you have a hope of meeting customers’ diverse needs later on.

 

The importance of segmentation and personas

It’s easy for customers to be overlooked as people juggle competing priorities in their day-to-day lives. However, keeping customers at the forefront of every decision is crucial for long-term success.

One effective way to maintain customer focus is by using personas. They remind us who our customers are – what they think, feel and do. They fuel empathy. But personas are only as reliable as the insight they’re created using. And they need to be refreshed to ensure they reflect the evolving perceptions and behaviours of real customers.

The true value lies in involving representative customers throughout the design process. By integrating continuous customer research into your development process, you can uncover hidden needs, preferences and pain points. The golden rule of inclusive design is that, by listening to people who may struggle most, you have the opportunity to make your customer experiences easier for everyone.

People say, ‘prevention is better than cure’. Inclusive design is the embodiment of this – listen to customers; build it right; avoid customer harm and mountain of operational pain! And don’t just listen once and tick it off a list – build a culture of listening, to fuel continuous improvement. Be hungry for insights from customers and frontline colleagues who understand their frustrations, fears, confusion, and curiosity. Listening to feedback keeps us grounded in real-world experiences and motivated to keep improving customer outcomes for everyone.

 

Valuing lived experiences

Designing inclusively means valuing the lived experiences of individuals who may struggle with your products and services. This approach helps create better outcomes and reduces frustration for both customers and colleagues. It also frees up service capacity for those who genuinely need human support. By prioritising these lived experiences, firms can ensure that their services are accessible to everyone.

 

Practical steps for implementation

To implement a human-centred, inclusive design effectively, financial services firms should engage diverse customer groups. This involves using a representative sample of customers throughout the design process. The sample should have varying digital capabilities.

Continuous improvement should be embedded in the process by gathering and acting on feedback. This feedback should come from both customers and frontline employees. By acting on this feedback the service offerings can be continually enhanced and evolved.

 

Conclusion

Embracing inclusive design is essential for financial service firms to meet the diverse needs of their customers. By adhering to Consumer Duty regulations and integrating continuous customer research, firms can create truly inclusive services that deliver equitable outcomes for all. As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, embracing inclusivity and a holistic human-centered design approach will be key to sustainable success.


Originally posted here

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The rise of the intelligent customer: Adapt or risk being left behind https://digileaders.com/the-rise-of-the-intelligent-customer-adapt-or-risk-being-left-behind/ Fri, 16 May 2025 09:32:59 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35992 Today’s customers are sharper, savvier and more selective than ever before. They expect relevance and personalisation, and for those that can’t deliver on a valuable customer experience, the impact on customer retention and churn can be severe. Our latest research shows that a lack of […]

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Today’s customers are sharper, savvier and more selective than ever before. They expect relevance and personalisation, and for those that can’t deliver on a valuable customer experience, the impact on customer retention and churn can be severe.

Our latest research shows that a lack of unified customer intelligence is undermining loyalty strategies for 60% of businesses, making it difficult to deliver a personalised, value-driven experience. When customers don’t feel recognised or understood, they walk.

With 67% of business leaders believing they’ll lose customers over the next year if they don’t dramatically improve the customer experience, and 56% believing they’ve already lost them, brands are under more pressure than ever to deliver standout experiences.

 

The loyalty crisis

AND Digital’s newest research report, Know me or lose me, surveyed 250 C-suite and data leaders across businesses between £200 million and £2 billion in revenue in the UK. With accompanying opinion pieces from leaders who were instrumental in schemes like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar, we uncovered their challenges, fears and expectations around loyalty.

What we found was that although 53% said poor customer experience has already cost them millions, 57% stated they are still expected to improve customer experience without an increased budget.

Businesses know what’s at risk, but they’re struggling to keep pace. Whether due to budget constraints, or, as our research found, legacy systems and fragmented data, many are continuously falling short of what modern, intelligent customers expect.

Enter the intelligent customer

Customers now want experiences that are relevant and deeply personal. They’re value-driven and are quick to switch brands when expectations fall short.

Loyalty needs to be used as a strategic tool that encourages customers to engage more while feeling valued. Without understanding their end-to-end journey, it’s impossible for businesses to truly deliver a personalised brand experience. A connected customer experience demands a connected, customer-first culture, built on a foundational data infrastructure to provide real-time insights.

With 66% of businesses shifting budgets away from acquisition and towards retention, and 71% agreeing that data is the most important factor in delivering a high-quality customer experience, it’s a step in the right direction. With the right mindset, data and technology, brands can build real connections that last.

To succeed, it’s clear that loyalty needs to move away from being a simple points programme, to be a personalised, purpose-driven experience built on relevance and value.

The opportunity ahead

From composable platforms and AI tools to a unified customer view, the tools are there to help businesses better understand and serve their customers better. But technology alone isn’t the answer.

True loyalty comes from putting customers at the heart of everything – aligning teams, connecting data and delivering experiences that feel intuitive, personal and consistent at every interaction.

This isn’t about having the biggest tech budget. It’s about using what you have, creatively and strategically, to build meaningful, lasting relationships.

Because today’s customers are saying one thing loud and clear: know me, or lose me.


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10 reasons why AI-Powered IT Service Management is your secret weapon for scalable success https://digileaders.com/10-reasons-why-ai-powered-it-service-management-is-your-secret-weapon-for-scalable-success/ Mon, 12 May 2025 14:51:42 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35963 Organisations are under growing pressure to deliver IT services that are not only reliable and scalable but also meet increasingly high user expectations. According to a customer support trends 2025 report by Cymphony, 75% of customers expect brands to offer 24/7 support. And nearly half of […]

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Organisations are under growing pressure to deliver IT services that are not only reliable and scalable but also meet increasingly high user expectations. According to a customer support trends 2025 report by Cymphony, 75% of customers expect brands to offer 24/7 support. And nearly half of consumers cite the lack of 24/7 availability as a top frustration. Even back in 2022 the global Zendesk Customer Experience Trends Report showed that 48% of UK consumers say that their customer service expectations have increased over the past year, and 90% globally say they’re willing to spend more with companies who personalise their customer service experience.

That’s where AI-powered IT Service Management (ITSM) steps in – combining the structured, repeatable processes of traditional ITSM with the intelligence and speed of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Agentic AI is reshaping business transformation from strategy to execution. As AI moves beyond automation into decision-making, orchestration and autonomous workflows, enterprises have a unique opportunity to redefine ITSM, capitalising on efficiency and innovation.

 

What is ITSM and why does AI make a difference?

ITSM provides a structured approach to designing, delivering, and continuously improving IT services. It aligns IT services with business and customer needs using best practices like ISO 20000 and ITIL 4, and delivers value through well-defined roles, responsibilities and processes.

But as demands on IT grow, especially in industries like transport, retail or banking where 24/7 availability is essential, AI can help bridge the gap between traditional ITSM and the need for always-on, scalable, and intelligent service delivery.

AI in ITSM uses machine learning and data analytics to identify trends, automate tasks, and deliver intelligent support. Coupled with the exciting developments in agentic AI,  organisations can shift from reactive service delivery to proactive, scalable and user-centric operations.

As with any AI adoption, ethical considerations are vital. Transparency and trust must be at the heart of AI-powered services. Users should know when they’re interacting with an AI agent, and organisations must put guardrails in place to ensure fairness, accuracy and accountability.

 

10 real benefits of AI-powered ITSM

Faster problem resolution 

AI can analyse historical data to quickly identify the root cause of incidents and suggest resolutions — often before a human would spot the issue. This leads to immediate support with faster response times, reduced downtime and improved service continuity for customers.

For example, if a recurring network issue begins affecting users overnight, an AI agent can automatically detect the pattern, isolate the cause based on previous incidents, and trigger a fix — all before staff even log on the next morning.

 

Improved user experience and 24/7 availability 

Unlike human agents, agentic AI doesn’t take breaks. Agents are available around the clock, 365 days a year, so it’s ideal for organisations with global teams or operations that need to run outside standard working hours.

 

Personalised and human-centred user support 

AI-powered virtual agents can understand individual user profiles, past issues, and preferences. They can even analyse the sentiment in a customer’s voice or text to assess user stress levels — helping de-escalate situations and improve service experience.

For example, if someone sounds frustrated, the AI agent can detect stress in their tone, cross-reference their recent issues, and route them to a specialist with the right expertise, along with a summary of their previous interactions. This will not only speed up the resolution, but helps the agent respond with empathy and context, improving the overall customer experience.

 

Increased productivity and time savings

Routine, repetitive tasks like onboarding new employees, setting up accounts or responding to common queries, can be handled by agentic AI. This frees up IT teams to focus on higher-value work and strategic projects.

 

Empowered employees

AI doesn’t replace humans — it supports them.  Although consumers want to see the introduction of new technologies, 64% would never want to see entirely AI‑driven customer service according to ServiceNow research.

While AI handles the repetitive and more ‘boring’ tasks, IT staff are focusing on the higher-value more strategic support alongside training AI models. They can grow their careers through higher-value work, making them feel more empowered and psychologically safe in their jobs .

 

Improved decision making 

With AI’s ability to process vast datasets and identify trends, IT teams can make more informed decisions and anticipate problems before they occur. For example, AI can track user behaviour across applications to help spot unusual activity, helping IT teams prevent potential security breaches before they escalate.

 

Scalability 

AI tools can easily scale up or down based on demand. Whether you’re facing a seasonal surge in user requests or rapid growth, AI can identify this surge and handle increased volume without requiring a matching increase in staff.

 

Proactive and pre-emptive maintenance 

AI can predict when systems are likely to fail based on usage data — for example, identifying a server or storage system that requires pre-emptive maintenance after a forecasted period of time, to prevent the risk of future failure. This proactive approach reduces outages and improves reliability.

 

Dynamic and continuous improvement 

AI learns over time. As algorithms evolve, ITSM processes become leaner, more efficient, and better aligned with business goals. The adaptability of agentic AI is key to supporting digital transformation.

 

Cost reduction 

All of the benefits above contribute to cost reductions for organisations. By automating support, streamlining processes, and predicting surges or maintenance before they happen, AI-powered ITSM lowers operational costs while boosting service efficiency.

 

Ready to rethink IT service management?

As user expectations rise and the pace of digital change accelerates, traditional ITSM alone is no longer enough. AI-powered ITSM coupled with agentic AI offers a smarter, more scalable way to deliver reliable, round-the-clock support, while freeing up your teams to focus on complex, high-value work.

At Sopra Steria, our Digital Platform Services team is already helping organisations take the next step in ITSM evolution, building solutions on platforms like ServiceNow and Salesforce. Whether you’re scaling operations, modernising legacy systems, or improving user satisfaction, we’re here to support you with cutting-edge AI solutions.

In summary:

  • AI-powered IT Service Management (ITSM) provides 24/7 support automates routine tasks and enables proactive maintenance reducing costs and improving user experience
  • Offering personalised and human-centered support analysing user profiles and sentiment to deliver empathetic and efficient service
  • AI in ITSM uses machine learning and data analytics to predict system failures automate tasks and support informed decision-making leading to better service continuity and reliability

Originally posted here

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Why devolution and Local Government reorganisation is a generational opportunity for English Councils and ‘Digital Layer’ thinking https://digileaders.com/why-devolution-and-local-government-reorganisation-is-a-generational-opportunity-for-english-councils-and-digital-layer-thinking/ Fri, 02 May 2025 10:09:22 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35953 The reorganisation of local government is often seen as a logistical challenge rather than a transformative opportunity. Too often, restructuring efforts focus on administrative efficiency-consolidating multiple authorities into fewer, larger ones-without rethinking the fundamental way services are delivered. In all the chaos of ‘merging’ – […]

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The reorganisation of local government is often seen as a logistical challenge rather than a transformative opportunity. Too often, restructuring efforts focus on administrative efficiency-consolidating multiple authorities into fewer, larger ones-without rethinking the fundamental way services are delivered. In all the chaos of ‘merging’ – strategy for adopting and instilling common patterns, interoperability and a service-oriented approach gets almost entirely ignored. “Stick it in and fix it later” is an expensive and demotivating strategy and ‘going to market’ for the same legacy platforms – is worse still. Even worse… the foreseeable and predictable monumental waste in trying to buy tactical AI will result in massively expensive mistakes.

But what if, instead of simply merging outdated operating models, we used this once-in-a-generation opportunity to embed Digital Layer thinking at the heart of local government?

 

A generational moment for digital formation

I am boring in that my strongly held view is that AI has to be adopted culturally, before it can be adopted practically and made useful in any organisation. If our teams constantly think they are implementing their way out of a job – we’ll just be making more expensive and pointless projects that serve only as great press releases.

The UK’s latest wave of devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) presents a rare moment to modernise not just governance structures but culture – and the way public services are delivered. The risk, however, is clear: councils may fall into the trap of “just gloss painting” existing systems, leaving inefficiencies and legacy back-office technologies intact.

At Jadu, we have seen what is possible when local authorities take a Digital Layer approach. In West Northamptonshire, the unification of multiple legacy councils into a single authority was not just an administrative change, it was a digital and cultural transformation. By consolidating customer relationship management (CRM) systems into a single, AI-integrated platform, West Northamptonshire was able to improve service delivery, enhance accessibility, and lay the foundation for future AI-driven efficiencies. We’re now working in their Children’s service to use AI to process Requests for a Statutory Assessment (RSA) of special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are submitted. The aim is to make the specialist teams processing applications much more productive and reduce decision timescales.

This is what devolution should be about: not just reconfiguring governance structures but rethinking the digital infrastructure that underpins local government.

 

The Digital Layer: interoperability, accessibility, and AI

For any new or reorganised local authority, implementing a Digital Layer means:

  •     Interoperability – ensuring that all digital services, from waste management to social care, can communicate seamlessly with each other.
  •     Accessibility – designing services that work for all residents, not just those comfortable navigating complex government websites.
  •     AI & Automation – leveraging AI not just for efficiency but to transform services, as seen in the innovative use of AI in SEND services.

This approach moves beyond tactical fixes and quick technology patches, instead creating sustainable digital ecosystems that are AI-ready and resilient for the future.

 

Beyond ‘quick fixes’- fixing the broken steampunk architecture

As Local Government Reorganisation gains pace, there will be pressure to implement “quick wins” – tactical technology solutions that patch together legacy systems rather than replacing them with something fit for the digital age.

But this is a mistake.

The real opportunity of reorganisation lies in fixing the broken plumbing – the outdated, siloed back-office systems and spreadsheets that make service delivery slow and inefficient. Councils must resist the temptation to carry forward fragmented digital estates and instead commit to a fully integrated, standards-based approach to digital service delivery.

 

Delivering a digital-first, AI-ready future

If local government is to be fit for a digital, self-service future, it must embrace modern standards for digital service delivery. This means:

  •     Designing services that are accessible by default, ensuring inclusivity for all residents.
  •     Making AI a core component of public service transformation – not just a bolt-on.
  •     Committing to open, interoperable data standards that ensure services can evolve over time.

All the technology we need is already here. The challenge is making sure we use devolution to harness it effectively.

The next wave of local government transformation must be digital at its core. That means not just thinking about governance and budgets but about how we architect local government for the AI-powered future that will now be pervasive, everywhere.

This is not just a technical challenge – it’s a leadership one.

Local authorities have a generational opportunity to embed the Digital Layer and redefine public service delivery for decades to come. The question is: will any of them take it?\

 

Seizing the opportunity

Local Government Reorganisation presents more than just a structural shift, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to radically improve how services are designed, delivered, and experienced by citizens. To make the most of this moment, authorities must embrace integrated service models, unify their digital estates, and take a strategic, citizen-first approach to transformation, driving efficiencies and streamlining service delivery by rationalising systems, processes and platforms, lowering costs and improving residents’ experience.

Jadu Consulting brings the skills and insight required to guide councils through this complex transition, ensuring changes are not only well planned and effectively implemented, but also cost-effective and sustainable. Our team supports decision-making with evidence-based strategies, enabling councils to modernise without disruption to essential services.

We partner with local authorities in digital service design, platform integration, and citizen engagement, designing unified digital experiences that prioritise accessibility, interoperability, and long-term sustainability. From strategic planning and procurement advice to delivering scalable, AI-ready solutions, Jadu Consulting uses Jadu Digital Platform to consolidate legacy systems and create consistent, intuitive digital services that reduce administrative burden and improve citizen satisfaction. With built-in support for open standards, flexible integrations, and accessibility by default, our platform is purpose-built for councils ready to embrace the digital layer and lead with confidence.

A powerful example of our innovation is Agent-Ex Search – a next-generation digital self-service tool. Unlike traditional chatbots, Agent-Ex delivers accurate, immediate answers without confusing menus or convoluted pathways, helping residents find what they need quickly and easily. As councils amalgamate and centralise services, Agent-Ex can play a key role in simplifying citizen access and easing pressure on frontline teams.

At Jadu we are also developing a Playbook for Creating a Modern Local Authority – a strategic toolkit informed by our deep experience in the public sector. We invite councils to collaborate with us in shaping this resource and sharing best practice to deliver services that are not only digital by design, but truly transformative in impact.

With the right strategy, tools, and support, councils can use this moment to deliver bold, meaningful change. Let’s not waste the opportunity. Let’s build the digital foundations for the next generation of public service.


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5 Things i’ve learned about the public sector https://digileaders.com/5-things-ive-learned-about-the-public-sector/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 11:00:59 +0000 https://digileaders.com/?p=35940 For the past seven months, following a 15-year career in the professional sports  industry, I’ve been diving into the world of the public sector through my role at  Invuse. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect—coming from the private  sector, I was half-worried […]

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For the past seven months, following a 15-year career in the professional sports  industry, I’ve been diving into the world of the public sector through my role at  Invuse. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect—coming from the private  sector, I was half-worried someone might ask me how many government  reports I’d filled out before I could even introduce myself! But seriously, after  years of focusing on the bottom line, it’s been refreshing to see the public  sector’s emphasis on impact and service. I’ve gained some valuable insights that  I’d love to share with you… 

  1. A Genuine commitment to inclusivity  

One of the first things that really struck me is how deeply committed the public  sector is to making sure everyone is included. It’s not just about ticking boxes— there’s real heart behind the effort to make services accessible to all citizens.  I’ve had calls with some truly open, fun, and charismatic people who’ve made  me laugh so much while sharing their passion for inclusivity. Their dedication  has been incredibly inspiring, and it’s taught me just how important it is to  ensure no one gets left behind. 

  1. Adaptability and resilience  

In my conversations, I’ve seen how public sector organisations often face tight  budgets and a mountain of regulations, yet they still manage to innovate and get  things done. It’s amazing how they adapt and come up with creative solutions 

despite these challenges. The resilience and positive attitudes I’ve encountered  have been so eye-opening for me. It’s a great reminder that with the right  mindset, anything is possible. 

  1. Transparency and accountability  

Transparency and accountability aren’t just buzzwords in the public sector— they’re a way of life. I’ve witnessed firsthand how being open and accountable  helps build trust, both within organisations and with the public. It’s refreshing  compared to the private sector, where the focus can sometimes be more about  profits. The people I’ve spoken with have shown me how important it is to be  straightforward and responsible in everything we do. 

  1. The Power of collaboration 

What stands out the most is the power of teamwork in the public sector.  Whether it’s different departments working together or partnering with  organisations like ours, collaboration is key. The collective effort often leads to  better, more effective solutions. I’ve had the pleasure of working with some  incredibly collaborative and fun people who reminded me that we can achieve  so much more when we work together—and have a good laugh along the way! 

  1. User-centred design and empathy  

The focus on user-centred design in the public sector has been another big  takeaway for me. It’s clear that these organisations genuinely care about  meeting the needs of the people they serve. The empathy and understanding  I’ve encountered have left a lasting impression. It’s not just about creating  useful solutions; it’s about making them truly helpful for the end-users. And the  people I’ve met along the way have shown me that a little empathy goes a long  way in making a real difference. 

 

Wrapping Up

Even though my journey in the public sector is just getting started, I’ve already  learned a lot. These experiences have really shaped how I think about my work  and the importance of serving the public effectively.


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