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Case study

Age Assurance Technology Trial

The Australian Government has launched an age assurance trial to explore solutions for safeguarding children from exposure to harmful online content, including pornography and other online age-restricted materials, as well as risks on social media. The trial consists of several key elements designed to inform future Government policies.

This website focuses on one critical aspect: an independent trial and evaluation of age assurance technologies. The goal is to assess their effectiveness, technological maturity, and readiness for implementation within Australia.

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The challenge

The trial required an independent and unbiased assessment to provide reliable insights for future decision-making. A key component of this initiative was the creation of a web platform to serve as a central hub for stakeholders, including industry representatives, government officials, trial participants, and the general public.

The project faced several challenges:

  • Trust and transparency: The website needed to instill confidence in its users while communicating the trial’s impartiality and commitment to a fair trial.
  • Data protection: Ensuring sensitive data was securely collected and handled, with strict adherence to privacy requirements.
  • Time sensitivity: The trial had a limited timeframe so the rapid development and launch of the platform was essential.
  • User experience: Seamless wayfinding to provide easy access to vital information for diverse user groups.
  • Content management: The platform needed to empower administrators to efficiently manage and update content throughout the trial to ensure the accuracy and relevance of published materials.

The approach

To address these challenges, a strategic and user-centric approach was adopted:

  1. Discovery and planning:
    • A Website Discovery Workshop was conducted to identify key functional requirements and user needs.
    • Emphasis was placed on creating a platform that balanced usability, data protection, and professional design.
    • A sitemap was developed based on workshop outcomes to assist with wayfinding.
  2. Platform selection:
    • WordPress was chosen as the content management system (CMS) due to its speed to market, ease of use, and the client’s familiarity with the platform.
  3. Design and development:
    • Design-in-browser approach: To fast-track the design phase, a design-in-browser approach was utilized, enabling real-time adjustments and immediate client feedback.
    • Trust and confidence: A clean, professional aesthetic was implemented to convey credibility and reliability.
    • Wayfinding: The website’s navigation was designed to ensure a smooth user journey, enabling trial participants and stakeholders to access essential information effortlessly.
    • Data protection: Web forms were developed with a focus on secure data collection and minimal retention periods.
    • Client empowerment: Thorough training sessions were conducted to empower the client to manage content interactions and edits independently.
  4. Key functionalities:
    • Document library: A dedicated page for publishing reports and trial results.
    • Functional web forms:
      • For technology participants to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) and practice statements.
      • For stakeholders and the public to contact the Australian Centre for Child Protection (ACCS) regarding the trial.
      • For gathering contacts for e-newsletter communications.
      • The Practice Statement form included a save-and-return feature, allowing participants to revisit and edit their submissions. The final output was a formal practice statement provided as a downloadable PDF.
    • Project team bios: Inclusion of bios for project team members and independent advisory stakeholders to highlight expertise and instill trust in the platform’s impartiality.
    • Conflict of Interest register: A register documenting any conflicts of interest to verify the fairness and objective approach to the trial.
    • Timeline: A clear timeline feature to enable participants to track progress and identify key timeframes for participation.
  5. Agile development:
    • Rapid prototyping and iterative testing ensured the platform was ready for launch within the tight timeframe, aligning with the trial’s promotional schedule.
    • Upon initial concept design approval, the design-in-browser approach facilitated faster iterations and reduced delays in the development process.

The solution

The final web platform successfully addressed all project objectives and challenges:

  • User trust: The professional and transparent design established confidence among stakeholders and the public. Clear communication of the trial’s independent and unbiased nature reinforced trust.
  • Seamless navigation: Intuitive wayfinding ensured participants could easily access critical information, enhancing their engagement with the trial.
  • Secure data handling: Sensitive information collected via web forms was securely managed, with no long-term storage on the website to mitigate risks.
  • Efficient Content Management: Administrators could quickly update and manage content, ensuring accuracy and responsiveness to trial developments.
  • Enhanced User Functionality: The Practice Statement form’s save-and-return feature enabled participants to work on their submissions at their own pace, with the final output delivered as a polished PDF.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Project team and stakeholder bios highlighted expertise, building trust in the trial’s impartiality. The Conflict of Interest Register demonstrated a commitment to fairness and objectivity.
  • Progress Tracking: The timeline feature allowed participants to stay informed about key milestones and deadlines, enhancing their engagement with the trial.
  • Rapid Deployment: The platform was delivered on time, enabling the trial’s promotional efforts and providing stakeholders with a central source of updates and resources.

The website now serves as a vital tool in supporting the trial’s success, providing a reliable and user-friendly platform for sharing information and engaging stakeholders. Its design and functionality reflect a commitment to transparency, security, and professionalism, aligning perfectly with the trial’s objectives.

 

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