What is your role at MOJ?
I’m a Content Designer and I’m responsible for creating content across end-to-end user journeys. It’s not just about writing words, it involves working with others to really understand the needs of users and build relationships with stakeholders.
What did you do before you worked for MoJ?
I’ve been at MoJ for almost two years but before joining MoJ Digital and Technology, I spent just over a year as a Content Designer in HM Courts and Tribunals Service in the user experience team. Prior to that, I worked for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in digital communications and engagement. I actually started off as a scientist before moving into communications and I think the problem solving and attention to detail from that are still useful in my job today.
What does a typical day look like for you?
We’ll always start with a daily stand up. I’ve spent most of my time at MoJ working on digital services, where I’m usually working very closely with a designer, user researcher and developer. It’s important to work openly and share our progress. I might then spend the day pair-working with an interaction designer to prototype pages ready for user testing.
Tell us about any new or interesting projects you’re working on right now
Right now I’m working on transitioning the hundreds of pages about all prisons in England and Wales. They’re currently on an old website and we’re moving them to GOV.UK. While doing that, I’m redesigning the pages to make sure they’re consistent and meet the needs of users - primarily family and friends of prisoners who want to visit and maintain their relationship with their loved one. It’s very satisfying removing out of date or superfluous information.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working here?
That it’s really important to work as a team, not on your own. It’s really
helpful when talking through a problem, sharing ideas and working on
solutions together. Even though we each have our specialist areas of
expertise, we can work more effectively together.
What piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to apply for a role at MoJ?
For content design, I’d say make sure you really understand the role in the Digital, Data and Technology Profession framework. There can be a misconception that it’s just about writing the words, but it’s much more than that.
If you weren’t a Content Designer, what would you be?
Something to do with food. I’d love to have a vegetarian cafe.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I’ve started dabbling in calligraphy. I love it, very relaxing.
What was it that made you want to work in MoJ Digital and Technology?
Justice is so wide-ranging and interesting. I really wanted to be hands on in developing services that help real people in difficult situations in their life.
It’s also got a great community of content designers so I knew it would allow me to develop my skills and experience in the profession.
2 comments
Comment by BAHRAM POURMAHDI KASMAEI posted on
That#s good .Thanks
Comment by Szh posted on
Very helpful blog, makes me more confident and excited about the role I’m going for with MoJ.