1. Instructions for Hosting and
INTRODUCTION
TO THE
SFE
QUICK START
GUIDES
Instructions for Hosting and
Sharing

2. Why we developed this tool
SECTION 1

3. Why we developed this tool
Student finance is a complicated subject and it is our responsibility to guide students and their families through the products and rules
We now produce guidance in multiple formats to suit all needs and preferences – this includes resources for delivery partners to use face to face with students
However we are obliged to adhere to the style rules set out by the Government Digital Service (GDS), and these rules state that the guidance on our main channel – Gov UK – must only be in text format
But we are allowed to build content for sharing on other people’s channels

4. What is it?
SECTION 2

5. What is it?
A new and improved series of integrated quick guides for new full-time SFE students and their parents/partners that can be accessed through multiple devices such as desktop, tablet & smartphone
Consolidated content in one space with internal navigation to quickly access different sections of information
Designed to look and behave like an app, containing engaging introductory content and links that can be shared through social media channels such as twitter and facebook, as well as being printer friendly

6. Ensuring quality
SECTION 3

7. Ensuring quality
Device Tested
iPad
iPhone
Kindle Fire
windows phone
macbook
android phone
Usability Tested
Various exercises to determine:
ease of use
navigation
using social media
using external links
Browser Tested
Safari
Google Chrome
Internet explorer (10,11)
Amazon silk
Expert Tested
manual usability evaluation
accessibility audit
Automated testing to assess:
colour blind simulation
mobile responsiveness
contrast test
plain English – readability
The tool has been subject to a number of scenario tests and for adherence to best practice in design, across the most widely used browsers and device operating systems. This has ensured that it displays and behaves properly. It has also been tested for usability – navigation, links, sharing and user journeys.
For the blind and partially sighted, the design has been tested for font readability and colour contrast, and is screen reader compatible. For deaf users the content has been subject to plain English and consistency in accordance with W3C standards.

8. Advantages of sharing the tool
& how to do it
SECTION 4

9. Advantages
Easy to digest high-level guidance containing the key messages about student finance, with links to more detailed information and resources
Consistent, accurate information – no need to spend time researching and updating the information for your own website
Centrally hosted and managed by SLC so the content is always up to date
A button link pack has been created, which is code light, that will allow it to be easily embedded on your site without interfering with your content management system

10. How to do it
The guide can be shared with you in the form of a small piece of code which can be applied to your own website.
This code will display as a small ‘button’:
The button will link to the guide which will display as a web page on a computer but it will look and behave like a self-contained ‘app’ when viewed on a hand held device.
View the guide at

11. Additional Tools: Link Packs
As well as the Quick start guide, a small number of link packs are also being developed - a small piece of code to allow you to publish a button on your site which will link directly to key resources for students, parents and teachers.
The resources have been grouped by audience and include guides, films, factsheets and presentations.
Get the link pack and instructions at

12. QUESTIONS OR
COMMENTS?
IF YOU ARE UNSURE
PLEASE ASK!