Fig. 2

Key features of the ProjectPal website. a – Login page to ProjectPal; b example supervisor page with all navigation panels visible. All stakeholders agreed that ProjectPal must be designed to be straightforward to use. The site’s minimalist layout cuts down on superfluous text or controls, and was reported to make its use intuitive. There are a limited number of controls on each page which lends to a spacious design. This was reported to be easy on the eye and allowed the user to readily discern which feature they want to use. Although the layout is simple, the features were felt to be powerful. This comes from development of a streamlined flow of information, so that large amounts of detail are output in an easily accessible format. Applicants were able to browse and search through a simplified overview of projects, with the full details a click away. Similarly, supervisors positively reviewed the ability to quickly attain a summary of applications to their projects. Information about the status of applications is easily accessible by direct view on the ‘dashboard’, with e-mail notifications of any developments also offered following feedback from stakeholders. When creating profiles, website users are invited to offer their contact details, as well as some information on their current role, background and academic interests. When uploading projects, supervisors are required to provide details on the background, specific information on what the project will involve, as well as the time frame and applicant requirements. In turn, applicants applying for specific projects are required to offer a cover letter and a CV. Information and research governance was felt to be a significant issue surrounding the posting of projects by potential supervisors and senior management. Therefore, several rules must be adhered to on the webpage, with project information being anonymous and only available to NHS employees and medical students. Moreover, in line with the confidentiality and security requirements, projects may only be viewed or created by those with an authenticated log in, which in turn is only granted to those with an institutional e-mail address – either relating to employment within the National Health Service or affiliation with a UK medical school