NSW Government
Enhancing data visualisation and usability, our work with the NSW Government focused on developing a scalable UI design system for Power BI dashboards. This case study highlights our approach to creating a user-centred, accessible, and efficient interface that improves data clarity, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement across government agencies.
Case Study
NSW Government – Power BI Dashboards UI Design System
1. Project Overview
Client: NSW Government
Industry: Government / Data & Analytics
Project Type: Power BI Dashboards UX/UI Design System
Timeline: 5 Months
Tools Used: Microsoft Power BI, Figma, User Research, Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.2)
Deliverables: UI Design System, Dashboard UX Enhancements, Accessibility Compliance, Interactive Data Visualisation
Project Summary
Synthesise collaborated with the NSW Government to create a scalable and accessible UI design system for Power BI dashboards. The goal was to enhance data clarity, improve usability, and standardise visual consistency across multiple government agencies. The project resulted in a user-centred design system that streamlined the reporting experience, ensuring efficiency, accessibility, and improved decision-making through interactive data visualisation.
2. The Challenge
The NSW Government needed a unified and accessible Power BI design system that would improve dashboard usability and simplify complex data visualisation while ensuring compliance with WCAG 2.2 accessibility standards.
Key Challenges
Lack of consistency in Power BI dashboards across departments.
Overly complex data visualisations, making insights difficult to interpret.
Accessibility compliance gaps, impacting usability for all users.
Inefficient reporting structures, leading to slow decision-making.
Audit findings identified usability and accessibility issues in Power BI dashboards for web.
3. Research & Discovery
To address these challenges, our team conducted:
Stakeholder Workshops: Engaging government teams to understand reporting needs.
User Testing & Feedback Loops: Evaluating how users interact with Power BI dashboards.
Accessibility Audits: Conducting a comprehensive WCAG 2.2 compliance audit of Power BI dashboards for web.
Benchmarking Analysis: Comparing best practices in dashboard UI and data storytelling.
Key Insights
Users required clearer visual hierarchy for scanning and interpreting data efficiently.
Data-heavy dashboards needed simplified layouts with improved navigation.
Accessibility-first design was essential for inclusive government reporting.
Audit findings revealed areas for improvement in contrast ratios, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support.
4. Design Approach
Our UX/UI strategy focused on:
Creating a modular UI library for Power BI dashboards to maintain consistency.
Optimising data presentation through structured layouts and intuitive filters.
Enhancing accessibility features, including high-contrast modes, keyboard navigation, and screen reader support in line with WCAG 2.2 guidelines.
Improving interactive elements for seamless user engagement with data.
Key Deliverables
Scalable UI Design System: Standardised typography, colour schemes, and layout grids.
Improved Data Visualisation Components: Enhancing readability and usability.
Accessibility-Compliant Dashboard Templates: Meeting WCAG 2.2 guidelines.
Interactive Power BI Dashboard Prototypes: Tested with real government users.
5. The Solution
Before
Inconsistent dashboard design across agencies.
Data-heavy reports lacked clear structure and navigation.
Accessibility issues limited usability for diverse users.
Audit findings highlighted areas needing improved accessibility and usability compliance.
After
Standardised UI system ensuring visual and functional consistency.
Enhanced data clarity, enabling quicker insights and decision-making.
WCAG 2.2 compliant dashboards, improving accessibility across all government users.
Interactive, user-friendly Power BI interfaces, increasing engagement and usability.
6. Results & Impact
40% Faster Data Interpretation through improved visual clarity.
Consistent UI Framework applied across multiple NSW Government agencies.
Accessibility-Driven Design ensuring inclusive digital experiences.
Higher User Adoption of dashboards due to simplified layouts and interactions.
WCAG 2.2 Compliance Achieved, improving access for users with disabilities.
7. Lessons Learned & Next Steps
Lessons Learned
Standardisation improves efficiency: A unified design system enhances cross-department collaboration.
Accessibility is non-negotiable: Prioritising inclusive design benefits all users.
Audit-driven improvements lead to better outcomes: Addressing key compliance issues ensures long-term usability.
Iterative design is key: Ongoing testing ensures dashboards remain relevant and effective.
Next Steps
Further Iterations on Accessibility Features: Expanding customisation options.
Refining Interactive Data Components: Enhancing user engagement.
Extending the Design System: Scaling it for broader government use cases.
Conclusion
By implementing a scalable UI design system, Synthesise transformed Power BI dashboards for the NSW Government, improving data accessibility, usability, and consistency. This solution ensures better decision-making, faster data interpretation, and a future-proofed approach to government analytics.
