GC Forms integration discovery research: Research plan

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Documentation

Research plan

Context

The initial long‑term product roadmap included an integration between GC Forms and SharePoint. Before beginning any development work, there is a need to assess whether this requirement is still relevant and whether an integration with SharePoint alone is sufficient, or if other systems may be more important to consider.
Findings from the response and attachment download research projects highlighted that many users need a way to connect GC Forms outputs with their own departmental systems. A workshop with the GC Forms team, held after the presentation of those research projects, identified integration with Microsoft 365 as a potential solution, reinforcing the need for a larger assessment of integration options.

Research steps

This research follows a 3‑step approach designed to gather insights that support decision makers in determining whether GC Forms should integrate with existing departmental tools or platforms.

Step 1: Desk research

The desk research step focuses on collecting existing data and insights gathered through previous research (including CX), support tickets or growth meetings that may relate to the need for an integration between GC Forms outputs and another system or tool.
Throughout this step, regular check‑ins will take place with GC Forms leads and the team to refine the next steps.
More information is available in the dedicated desk research sub-issue.

Step 2: User feedback collection

User feedback collection includes two sub‑steps:

• User interviews with current and potential GC Forms clients who have expressed interest in integrating GC Forms outputs with another tool or system. The purpose is to gain a complete view of the tools and ecosystems that (potential) clients use and that may be relevant for future integrations.
• Survey focusing on quantifying the insights gathered during the interviews. The goal is to understand how widespread certain tools or systems are across the current and potential client base.
  Throughout this step, regular check‑ins will take place with GC Forms leads and the team to refine the next steps.
  More information is available in the dedicated user feedback sub-issue.

Step 3: Feasibility check

The feasibility check step includes two sub-steps:

• Departmental check: collect insights from departmental technology owners on the feasibility of integrating GC Forms outputs with the tools and ecosystems identified in the previous steps. The purpose is to understand what would be required for departmental information technology teams to integrate their systems with GC Forms. This substep could also be considered through a policy perspective.
• GC Forms implications check: Based on the insights gathered in the previous steps, the GC Forms team will have a clearer view of the potential need for integrations. This step focuses on assessing the level of effort and complexity required for GC Forms to integrate with the departmental ecosystems identified earlier. It mirrors the departmental check substep, with a focus on the GC Forms technical perspective.
  More information is available in the dedicated feasibility check sub-issue.