Digital the RAADDDR way
By digital we mean using modern technology, data and design to create and run products and services that work end-to-end for people - customers, service users, citizens, colleagues, suppliers, and partners. It is not just about websites or IT systems. It is about how an organisation delivers its purpose: turning strategy into reality, improving experience and efficiency, and strengthening the day-to-day operation of the business.
The RAADDDR (pronounced "rad-door") framework brings this work to life. It describes the core professional activities behind any successful digital product or service: Research, Analyse, Architect, Design, Develop, Deliver, and Run. These are not rigid phases in a project plan. They are roles and practices that teams draw on continuously as they create, improve and operate the services that matter to their users.
At its heart, RAADDDR is about multidisciplinary teams that start with user needs, design with data, use agile and iterative ways of working, and operate reliable services over time. It recognises that excellent digital outcomes depend on each profession being respected, invested in and given the space to practise its craft. This framework is a showcase for that profession: a way to talk confidently about what we do, why it matters, and how it delivers better outcomes for the people and communities we serve.
Who it's for
- You're building or leading a digital product or service team.
- You're hiring and want a clearer map of the capabilities you actually need.
- You're mentoring people and want language for the craft and career paths.
- You're trying to explain "digital" to leadership and non-technical folks.
Choose an activity below to learn more:
Research
Plan and carry out research to develop a deep understanding of the people who use (or shouldn't use) the service, including their needs and contexts. This research informs the design of policy, service propositions, content, and interactions so that services work well for users and achieve business, organisational, and policy intent.
Analyse
Audit data and examine business processes to make sense of the problem and the wider landscape - including considerations for privacy, accessibility, and security. The goal is to ensure technology solutions align with strategic objectives. This involves aggregating and disaggregating complex information from across the organisation to inform evidence-based decision-making.
Architect
Develop an integrated view of the enterprise architecture and systems. Architects make technical choices about data, applications, and infrastructure that ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and maintainable under real-world demand, while staying aligned with the overall strategy.
Design
Design end-to-end services that work for users and meet policy or business goals. This includes creating intuitive, accessible interfaces, clear content, and seamless user journeys across all channels - transforming user needs into tangible, effective experiences.
Develop
Write, adapt, maintain, and support high-quality code. Developers build the technical solution, ensuring it is robust, thoroughly tested, and meets high standards for security and accessibility.
Deliver
Manage the product lifecycle and delivery pipeline, ensuring the right checks, controls, and assurance mechanisms are in place. This role focuses on delivering value to users continuously and reliably, removing blockers, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement with rapid feedback loops.
Run
Ensure the reliability, availability, security, and performance of services while maintaining compliance with relevant standards. This involves robust observability, effective incident management, and continuous optimisation of systems and infrastructure to meet evolving user and operational needs.