CWS-CARES Holistic Design Update

We are following up on the June 19th announcement regarding CWS-CARES holistic design. We know that many of you are interested in learning more about how this approach will impact you and your staff.

Here’s a quick recap: 
The October 2026 Go-Live date and scope is not changing.  
We are launching a more holistic approach to improve the user experience and deliver CWS-CARES Version 1 (V1).

Highlights 
  1. Increased opportunities for user feedback and an enhanced user experience 
  1. Users will provide feedback earlier with the holistic design process, in addition to Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST). 
  2. Starting in September 2024, Core Constituents will be able to view a pre-built product in Salesforce that more closely resembles the final product. This preview is a new step that allows users to evaluate the design, give feedback, and identify potential improvements.  
  3. Product reviews now include multiple scenarios for process validation that will cover several related processes. Previously, reviews of individual processes were conducted separately. By reviewing a group of connected processes, participants will be able to see how smaller steps fit into a larger workflow. 
  1. Better user feedback visibility and traceability 
  1. The product review feedback will be captured and tracked for traceability.  
  2. We are implementing a new way for Core Constituents and users to locate and monitor their feedback and each other’s feedback from inception to disposition.  
  1. Adjustments to upcoming Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) phases 
  1. There are four EUSTs (previously three).   
  2. EUST 1 is complete. EUST 2 begins in March 2025, EUST 3 begins in February 2026 with a duration of six weeks (previously four weeks), and EUST 4 begins in May 2026 with End-to-End testing for the entire CWS-CARES Version 1 scope. 
  3. We would like to include a larger group of participants in all upcoming EUSTs (2, 3, and 4) to gain insights from a wider range of users and include other counties in addition to Core Constituents.  
What’s Next: In early September 2024, Core Constituents will participate in a Holistic Design Transition session to prepare them for their role in the product review process.
  • Attached is the updated calendar of CWS-CARES Core Constituent meetings. Participants will receive Outlook meeting invitations for all sessions through the month of September. This calendar is point-in-time and subject to change; we will share schedules at least one month in advance of upcoming meetings.  
  • We believe this shift towards holistic design will be instrumental in creating a better user experience. We're eager to embark on this journey together and integrate this approach into many aspects of our work. 
  • If you have any questions, please contact Customer Relations.