The Challenge
Digital access to government services is no longer a bonus. It’s the baseline. Citizens expect seamless, responsive, and high-quality experiences every time they interact with a digital public service.
When Nova Scotia Works needed a better way for clients and staff to collaborate online, they teamed up with Davis Pier to design and build it. We worked with Employment Nova Scotia—part of the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI)—to create a digital channel that streamlines support and helps people find meaningful work.
This digital channel needed to mirror the experience of Nova Scotia Works centres across the province, providing equivalent services in a format that is accessible, user-centred, and designed with both job seekers and employers in mind.
The Approach
Our goal wasn’t just to build a tool, but to design a service that reflects how Nova Scotians actually live, work, and seek opportunity. This multi-year project began with discovery research to understand what users needed most from an online tool. The team engaged with job seekers, service providers, employers, and LSI staff, ensuring the design was shaped by the needs and realities of those closest to the system.
Using this discovery research, our team worked through the alpha phase to develop clickable prototypes and test them with program users before supporting a technology partner to complete beta planning and implementation.
The result was Nova Scotia Works Online—a one-stop, uniquely Nova Scotian employment support service that has contributed to greater employment outcomes for the province.
This work continues today, with the continuous design, testing, and rollout of features that meet meet the evolving needs of Nova Scotians.
Impact to Date
866K+
job searches
11K+
jobs posted
7K+
resumes created
The Outcome
Since its initial launch, Nova Scotia Works Online has reached almost 300,000 users.
Additionally, there have been over 11K jobs posted, 866K job searches, and over 7,000 resumes and cover letters created.
